Bought my first 300zx, have a couple problems. Solutions?

[cbruffin]

I think i got a pretty good deal on a 1986 300zx (non turbo). It has 122k miles, mechanically its pretty sound, power windows and locks work, and suprisingly so does b itching Betty(voice that tells you lights are on, door open, ect..). I only paid $1600 for it, but its in pretty good shape. Interior is really nice, perfect dash and seats, but the paint has a few scratches.

There are 3 problems with the vehicle as far as I can tell.

1. The A/C only works when it wants to. The compressor kicks on and 25% of the time it blows somewhat cool(not ice by any means), while the other 75% of the time, it blows hot. It also does not blow very hard.

2. The gas lid/cap release doesnt work. It pulls on the cable but it doesnt open it. I have to lift up the carpet and pull on the cable by hand, then it pops open.

3. The radio reception is terrible. It appears to be a pretty high quality aftermarket radio, however. The power antenna works and goes up(shortest antenna I have ever seen though...)

Do any of you know how to fix any of these issues? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[kelloggman]

1. sounds like you need to recharge your ac. you can but them at auto shops(kragens, autozone, ect watever you have)

2. Two is going to take investigation work to find out y it is that way

3. Bad wires.

Not 100 percent but its outside thinking

Pics of the car as well please

[Perrenial Badass]

Check the vacuum lines next to the battery. Blows hot when you get on the throttle?

[cbruffin]

Check the vacuum lines next to the battery. Blows hot when you get on the throttle?

Yes thats right. It blows cold if I drive like a grandma, but then it can get hot with a little bit of gas. If i turn the a/c off for a minute and then back on, its cold again.

[Perrenial Badass]

It's a vacuum issue, the heater is turning on pretty much. Not much of a problem, just replace all the vacuum lines you can when you do your tune up. It will probably need a recharge anyway, but the AC won't work right with a vacuum leak.

[cbruffin]

It's a vacuum issue, the heater is turning on pretty much. Not much of a problem, just replace all the vacuum lines you can when you do your tune up. It will probably need a recharge anyway, but the AC won't work right with a vacuum leak.

Yes I believe you are right. It doesnt just blow uncooled air, it blows air hotter than the air outside. Definitely like the heater. I changed it to full heat setting and it felt exactly the same; there was no difference. I will have all these hoses replaced, but I can't afford a full tune up right now. Its too hot in Texas to run with the heater on.

Are the vacuum lines expensive, and does it take a long time to replace them? I dont have that much money but I have a little bit. I am trying to figure out how much this would cost me, because I need to fix it ASAP.

If I took it to a mechanic, what would I tell him is the problem? Like wouldnt I have to tell him what specifically I need him to do?
Modified by cbruffin at 9:42 PM 8/30/2009

[Perrenial Badass]

Uh well, vacuum lines are extremely cheap. Just get a few feet and cut to fit. Pull off the old one and slide the new one on. It's very basic stuff...

If you chose to take it to a mechanic you could tell him that you need the vacuum lines all replaced, or just tell him what the car is doing wrong and let him inspect it. If you can't afford a tune-up, you can't afford a mechanic though.

[evildky]

1. have you checked the refrigerant pressures? this could eb a number of things, also pull out the blower motor, these were brittle and notorious for loosing teech and falling apart leading to low air pressure

2. you can also open the spare tire well and pull eht cable where it hits the gas door, the propper solution is a new cable, they brake at that point int he floow, very common issue

3. the power antenna is suppose to go up a couple feet, most likley you have a bend somewhere thats keeping it from fully extending, you cna buy a replacement chast, could be a break or disconnect int he antenna line, the stock antenna harness has to have anadapter to work with an aftermarket radio, and there si another connection near the antenna, amke sure they are both connected