82 280zx turbo cold start issue

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joe - 17 Jun 2005 05:50 GMT

Hello all,
I have an 82 280 turbo (5 spd if it is relevant) and I find that when the
car has been sitting for more than 5 or 6 hours it is difficult to start.
It takes 3 or 4 attempts and when it does finally start it runs at a low rpm
and takes 5 or 7 seconds for the idle to raise to normal. It also runs a
little rough cold and I find that if I drive it within the first minute or
two it reluctantly acclerates at low rpm and then boost comes in and it
takes right off. Clearly something is amiss but I am unsure of where to
start. I do not know how to diagnose these cars (and have not been able to
find a service manual locally so far) and hate to just replace parts. I
suspect there is an issue with the coolant temp sensor or the cold start
valve but I am not sure which one is the culprit or if I am totally off
base.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and best regards,
Joe

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Steve T - 17 Jun 2005 07:54 GMT

> Hello all,
> I have an 82 280 turbo (5 spd if it is relevant) and I find that when the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> to
> find a service manual locally so far) and hate to just replace parts.

There is no "codes" so it isn't like newer cars in the respect. Also the
turbo version of this car had an early ECCS system (The NA car had a
different system entirely) that integrated spark and fuel control and
wasn't very reliable, lots of ECU failures on these cars.

> I
> suspect there is an issue with the coolant temp sensor

Cheap enough to try and replace the connector as well but doubt that's the
problem. I hope you're using NGK plugs and not bosch platinums!

> or the cold start
> valve

It doesn't have one.

> but I am not sure which one is the culprit or if I am totally off
> base.

First and easiest solution is to unplug the ECU (not the battery but the ECU
connectors themselves) and then plug them back in. Seen this "fix" these
but doesn't seem to last forever. Some stay fixed for months, others only a
few days. It's not dirty connections as I've tried cleaning them. I new ECU
will fix them when they start doing this but is $$$$. These cars are
getting to the point where the crappy electronics they have needs to be
replaced with something more modern/reliable like an aftermarket
programable system. We like http://www.sdsefi.com/ but
http://www.haltech.com.au/ is another very good system. Another solution is
to adapt the later/more reliable 84-88 300ZX turbo electronics into these
cars using its hot wire MAS etc. All of these options also allow the car to
make a LOT more HP. The factory setup only makes 180HP and even the 300ZX
electronics at the same boost level make over 200. Unfortunatly there is no
cheap/easy solution.

Signature

Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

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joe - 20 Jun 2005 02:06 GMT

Steve,
Thanks for the input, I ordered a coolant temp sensor as it was only @ $
30.00 and the parts store told me that the most likely candidate was the
cold start valve and that was @ $ 155.00. I am amazed to hear there is not
even one on the car.

I will try the unpug/plug of the computer and I plan to replace the plugs so
I will heed your advice. I do not know what is in there now, I only
recently purchased the car and have not done a tune up yet.

I actually have considered selling it as I find I am little big for it. Any
idea what the value range of a 82 turbo 5spd with 99k on it is worth. All
options work, new tires, minimal rust, interior decent, one seat rip, 2
dash cracks and the rear carpet is brittle from the sun.

Thanks
Joe

>> Hello all,
>> I have an 82 280 turbo (5 spd if it is relevant) and I find that when the
[quoted text clipped - 43 lines]
> no
> cheap/easy solution.

Reply to this Message

Steve T - 20 Jun 2005 04:46 GMT

> Steve,
> Thanks for the input, I ordered a coolant temp sensor as it was only @
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> I will heed your advice. I do not know what is in there now, I only
> recently purchased the car and have not done a tune up yet.

Get NGK plugs ONLY, should use BPR6ES-II

> I actually have considered selling it as I find I am little big for it.
> Any
> idea what the value range of a 82 turbo 5spd with 99k on it is worth.

Condition and how well it runs is what matters. Sounds like maybe a
$1500-2000 car from what you describe if you find the right person?

Signature

Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

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