Jdm swap now it won't start.

Nissan 300ZX technical discussion forum: Maintenance, performance, installations, modifications, how-to's and troubleshooting.
Z Prime
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Jun 15, 2013 4:29 am
Car: 1994 300zx N/A 2 seater

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Alright so my old engine seized up, so I needed another and bought it from jdm quality. My car is an NA 94 MT. We did the swap, also changed out the ptu, injectors, cas and battery. The timing belt and water pump are still good. So we kept those intact. The engine will crank but not turn over. It also backfires. I have tried zeroing the crank pulley and starting it. I've tried turning it 15* and starting it and moving the cas around. Turning the cas 180*. It is getting fuel pressure. I'm thinking the timing is off. But how do I fix it? I can't use a timing light if it won't start.


nissanfreak12
Posts: 1709
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:07 pm
Car: 92 300zx 2+2 TT
Location: Denver, CO

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Very first thing is to check the ECU for codes, don't rely on the check engine light.

Second, check to make sure the injectors are actually clicking, spraying etc.

Makes sure you have spark. If you think your timing is off, recheck it. Take the covers off and count the cogs on the timing belt. All the info is in the FSM under everything you need to know about the Z32. It is also very advised to change the timing belt. Even though it looks good, who knows how old it really is. A gates belt cost maybe $20, cheap insurance unless you want to change the engine again if the belt snaps because it is dry and old.

Sgt
Posts: 1227
Joined: Tue May 13, 2008 5:13 pm
Car: 1991 Fairlady Z (JDM) Twin Turbo

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If it is backfiring, it sounds as if it is getting fuel. I would take nissanfreak12's advice and replacing the timing beltbelt. If you don't, at least take the timing covers off and verify that the timing belt is set properly. Ensure the Cas is installed as specified in the service manual. I'd also check out the PTU as those can be problematic sometimes. Did u have a spare one to swap in to try?

spiffy
Posts: 67
Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2011 9:00 am
Location: Norway

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If it's backfiring it's getting both fuel and spark, but obviously not at the correct time. So I'm thinking timing is off, either electronically(cas etc) or mechanically (timing belt)

nissanfreak12
Posts: 1709
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:07 pm
Car: 92 300zx 2+2 TT
Location: Denver, CO

Post

Back firing can also be caused by excessive cylinder temps by too little fuel injected.

But also check the basics first as listed.

Z Prime
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Jun 15, 2013 4:29 am
Car: 1994 300zx N/A 2 seater

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Okay so I changed the timing belt. It seemed to be 1 tooth off on the crank. It is also painted white. So I corrected that. And now when I put the crank pulley back on it is 10 degrees advanced. So I'm confused. Either way it still won't start. It also has a brand new ptu and cas.

nissanfreak12
Posts: 1709
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:07 pm
Car: 92 300zx 2+2 TT
Location: Denver, CO

Post

When you changed the t-belt, did you just rely on the marks or did you actually count the cogs? The marks are for reference, but actually counting the cogs is the only way to know if the timing is correct. The marks will not line up if the timing is correct. I know it sounds strange, but that is how they designed it which I still do not get.

When you say 10° advanced are you just relying on the pulley? That needs to be at TDC(0°)when setting the cam gears. Just follow the Manual to the T and you should be fine. But everything needs to be off so you see 100% of the belt and the timing pulleys.

Z Prime
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Jun 15, 2013 4:29 am
Car: 1994 300zx N/A 2 seater

Post

Okay so I redid the timing. I matched the lines up on the new belt with the cogs exactly and counted the teeth between each one per the service manual and it is exact. It still won't start. Here is a video of what it is doing. http://youtu.be/bxgCC9yj32k

nissanfreak12
Posts: 1709
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:07 pm
Car: 92 300zx 2+2 TT
Location: Denver, CO

Post

IS it just clicking and then sometimes cranking over?

Have you check fuel pressure? What is the PSI? It needs to be around 40psi(not sure of exact number) Is pressure regulator connected?

Have you made sure you have spark? Is the CAS attached?

Make sure you attach all the connectors CAS, PTU, CTS, etc.

The clicking you have an issue with the starter engaging, bad ground, bad battery, bad connection.

The cranking and not starting could be no spark, no fuel, too much fuel(are the plugs wet? also try holding down the throttle while cranking), ignition fuse blown, bad connections, bad fuel injectors(should ohm between 10-14, not higher not lower), bad computer(have you checked for codes?).

budget300zx
Posts: 199
Joined: Thu May 29, 2014 9:11 pm
Car: 90 300zx NA

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also make sure the grounds are reconnected to the engine. they will prevent it from starting as well.

nissanfreak12
Posts: 1709
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:07 pm
Car: 92 300zx 2+2 TT
Location: Denver, CO

Post

budget300zx wrote:also make sure the grounds are reconnected to the engine. they will prevent it from starting as well.

Especially the one on the back of the plenum. If that is not connected, it will fry the PTU.

Z Prime
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Jun 15, 2013 4:29 am
Car: 1994 300zx N/A 2 seater

Post

Okay. So my engine is pre 94. And my enine is a 94. The connections to the fuel injectors were different so I swapped out fuel rails. Well I found out that they are different. So would my 94 injectors be compatible with the older fuel rail?

nissanfreak12
Posts: 1709
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:07 pm
Car: 92 300zx 2+2 TT
Location: Denver, CO

Post

No, you need to get an adapter kit.

https://conceptzperformance.com/czp-ear ... p_4792.php


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