Hi guys,

 

I have a problem and don't know what to do next!

 

I have been tinkering in my workshop for ages, slowly rebuilding my swb TT manual conversion. Today I hit the starter for the first time in, well several years, and unsurprising it didn't start. ?

 

I have fuel pressure at the rail, but it doesn't catch or fire at all. My suspicion is no ignition, but honestly it could be anything..

 

I have changed many things since it last ran - lots of deletes, etc.

 

I have fitted a selin dual air flow adapter and a z1 chip to match. I have also changed the entire loom (brand new from z1) - the car was originally an auto converted to manual, but I ordered a manual 90 TT loom to replace the knackered old one!

 

I also get 16 fast flashes of the power light - I recall that this indicates that an error code is stored in the ecu?

 

So, in essence, my problem is where to start in diagnosing the problem (or problems)

 

Any help or suggestions gratefully received!

 

Thanks!

if you know you have error codes, why not find out what they are? there is how-to's somwhere on this forum. Also why not check for spark? you suspect it is but havent checked it?

LOL.. yeah, like Hollings says...

 

you seem to have spent a lot of money and time on the car, why not also invest in effort :)

 

the tech section...

 

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?128845-Ecu-diagnostics

 

link to instructions on another site with codes, once you know what they are you can also find the solution for many issues in the tech section or by using the search button...

 

you haven't mentioned doing a full check... i.e.

 

fuses (all three fuse boxes)

tps

ptu

coils

maf

cas

battery

injectors

.. etc...

 

good luck

Flashing Power light is an error on Auto ecu, so its getting a spurious signal from somewhere, or you completelt cleared the Engingine ECus memory and it still thinks it's an auto. Then it won't start unless it's in Park or Neutral. Have you sorted that part of the loom ?

Flashes from the power light is because the auto box is no longer fitted and to stop this just remove the autobox ecu , it has no bearing on your non starter issue.

 

As you have done so much work there is many, many areas that could be a cause of the non starter, however with all engines it too tempting to go too technical too quickly so its back to basics.

 

Fuel : make sure there is sufficient in the tank ( easy overlooked) remove the fuel pipe from the filter to engine and place in a container and then crank engine, plenty of fuel should fill the container.

 

Spark : Check for spark, leave a coil pack with spark plug resting on the engine with the outer metal body of the plug touching the engine and crank over the engine and check for a good spark.

 

Air : check the intakes make sure they are clear and try starting with the afm selin disconnected, maybe even refit the standard ecu

 

Timing: cam belt alignment needs checking, do a static test by lining up the lower crank at tdc (0 deg) and check the cam sprockets ( will require plastic covers removed )

 

If there is no spark then start by checking the ptu unit connection and the coil packs, its is also worth checking both injector operation and spark by removing the cas unit and with ignition on spin the shaft, this will send a start signal to the ecu so you should hear the fuel pump run, the injector clicking and with the coil pack/spark plug set up see a spark.

 

If any of the stages above provide a failure then no point moving on until that particular issue is resolved or you will end up going around in circles, in fact if you do find that happening take as break and start all over again, that 5 minutes away will often be all it takes to find it.

 

Jeff TT

Edited February 2, 201411 yr by JeffTT

Thanks Guys - I realise my description of the situation was somewhat vague! The context as to why I didn't check some of the obvious stuff was that I had reached my curfew and had to call it a night plus I rarely get a chance to spend time on the car, and the workshop is isolated, so I wanted to have a comprehensive list of stuff to check next time im down there.

 

My primary concern was re the cable harness change from auto to manual, but I think I can rule that out now (at least until the basics are sorted)

 

Excellent advice - especially from Jeff - thanks so much for the info and affirmation that the best place to start is the basics (of course!). I will do so as soon as I get a chance and no doubt report back!

 

Cheers all!!

 

:)

BTW - would a faulty or badly set up TPS cause non starting?

I understand that the car can run with it unplugged but if other stuff isn't setup right it will stall.. so I guess ..

 

it may be a part of the cause.. (at least).

TPS if you're interested...

 

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?175080-Few-bits-for-sale

Did you do the manual conversion? Has it started since doing the conversion?

Thanks medallion man!

 

Groover - I acquired he car already converted, and it was running. However! The ecu has been changed (from an na which had a socketed chip so I could fit the z1 chip) and the main harness as per above, plus a ton of other stuff...

 

Basically, the car was running on 5 cylinders due to an injector fault so I started stripping it to fix that and one thing led to another and I have ended up with a raft of changes being implemented since it last ran.

I remember when i done my engine out job and hit the key for the fisrt time it was a big turn over and no go then i checked and rembered i forgot to plug in my maff pluged that in and fired up straight away. it could be anything. good luck, start from the basics and go back to the abc princable.

Did you put the fuel pump fuse back in? Next to the brake master cylinder green fuses.

Success! It was the PTU!!

 

Phew - I was dreading what it could have been given the amount of work that has been done!

 

Really appreciate all the interest and advice from everyone.

 

Inching closer to that MoT....

congrats.. :)

Nice one Mark, i think we all at some time have had the odd brain fart after doing any major engine work, i remember when i changed my engine, it ran like a bag of shite until i found a couple of vac hoses under the throttle bodies i had missed and a couple of loose connectors. At the time you think the world has ended and it has blown up, sometimes you got to step back and retrace your steps and be methodical and it all comes together in the end :thumbup1:

Well done fella, Ill be in the same boat as you were soon and I'm dreading it, Glad you got it sorted

I can't wait to get the old girl out on the road - it's been waaaaaaayyy too long!