Engine will not start

1990 NISSAN 300ZX
100,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
BLURRZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hey guys,

I have a 1990 300zx with a JDM replacement motor.

I had a full buildup of corrosion in my radiator, so I decided to remove it and flush it with water so i can start flushing the coolant out in process of draining and refilling.

So after I reinstalled everything after a radiator clean/flush, It ran for a bit but then died and I couldnt get it to start again. the car will crank but wont start. Several sites advised me to check the ECU, and found that its giving code 11, Crank Angle Circuit.

I have the older PTU, which I read goes bad and I should get replaced by Nissan as it was on their list of recalls. Before I proceed on replacing my CAS, should I try to replace the PTU?

I also found that the ignition coil relay could also be a problem. I got the engine and some components wet under the hood which Im probably thinking I accidentally shorted out. Is there any way to short out the CAS by cleaning it on the outside, or getting water on the PTU?

Lastly I checked my fuel filter to see if It was getting fuel. I replaced it with a fresh one, and when I went to check if there was fuel in it there was. So I know its getting fuel.

Troubleshooting I checked the TPS, and sensors on the upper radiator inlet, there are two on the front of the motor. Took them off and cleaned them up. I also cleaned all connectors and pins on both the CAS, and TPS sensor to ensure that they were getting connection.

I also cleaned the MAF as well, took it off and reconnected it after cleaning the pins and connectors.

The Z cranks, and I can hear the fuel pump kicking in, but it just cranks and cranks, and does not fire.

Im also confused about the coil packs (ignition coils). When I order one I have to order 6 correct? Because these are what fire my spark plugs?

Also, if I get a new CAS and PTU can I use any of the years or a N/A version? They all look the same, or do I have to get a TT specific versions?

Thanks you for any help and for helping sort this out.
May 28, 2010 at 4:59 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Blurrz,

Before we get to others, I would suggest diagnosing the Code 11 problem first which would be the crankshaft position sensor. Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when doing the job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers
May 30, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Avatar
SAVERIO LUCIFERO
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
i tried spraying starting fluid into the air intake and it started but when i stopped spraying the car stopped. so this gave me the indication that its a fuel problem. i checked the fuel pump fuse and it is alright. my question is how am i supposed to know if it is the the fuel pump or gas line or even the fuel filter?
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Advertisement
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. also, see if pump is getting power as most have a relay see picture, behind left kick panel. you also have a fuel pump control unit which could be bad as well which the ECM turns it on via the pink/black wire going to it. you should have forty three psi and may need an adapter because it has to be checked by fuel filter.
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
SAVERIO LUCIFERO
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
hey we checked the fuel pump and it wasent working so we fixed it and know its running fine and the engine still wont start whats the next step if the fuel pressure is fine and the gas is running threw the gas lines take into consideration the car wasent started for 4 years thanks
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
pressure for fuel pump should be 43 psi if not pump no good for both turbo an d non turbo. check for spark as well scan for codes
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
SAVERIO LUCIFERO
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
yes we got 43 psi and we checked the sparks are all fine could it be the fuel injectors
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
it cold be but you need to scan for codes see pics on how to do it then get back with code if any check all fuses if no ignition signal injectors will not fire so hold off on that.
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
SAVERIO LUCIFERO
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
I got code 55 what does that mean
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
no faults are detected. so try this link i'm sending pics and do these tests to see if it's an ignition problem. do these in order also check resistance of coil from one post to another it should be .7 ohm
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
HU777
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My car wont start. I have a 1990 Nissan 300zx. When I go to start the car the starter motor works fine but cant turn over the motor at all. Any ideas?
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 20,761 POSTS
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
SAVERIO LUCIFERO
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
when we took out the spark plugs they were dry is that a indication that their are bad ignition ?
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
SAVERIO LUCIFERO
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
but their was sparks when we took them out
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
SAVERIO LUCIFERO
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
we tested 4 sparks out of 6 and they worked fine
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
test what I showed in last reply you can still have spark but not enough to start a motor.
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
SAVERIO LUCIFERO
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
we tested all coil connectors they were all good and all had power
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
have you tested the 3 items in pics I sent a couple replies ago? if you have then check compression then have a local guy look at it.
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
SAVERIO LUCIFERO
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
It started the problem was the spark plugs thanks
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,855 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed please use 2CarPros.com anytime we are here to help

Best, Ken
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM (Merged)
Avatar
MREFEBUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
i just bought 90 300zx and i have had it for at least 4 months now and wont turn on some times . i would use it for the day and then i won't turn on the next moment it turns over but won't start
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
scan for codes and check fuel pressure first-with a guage not it's ok cause it blows fuel out. also check battery for condition as well as load test.
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
ANTHONY77
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Electrical problem
1990 Nissan 300ZX 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 150000 miles
----------------------------------------------------------------
My car trys to start but will not. I first thought it might be the timing belt jumped. After removing the front covers all my timing marks line up. So after reassemble i noticed i have no spark. I changed out the PTU still nothing. I checked the CPS it was good. Come to fine my harness had a short. So i replaced the harness. Now i have spark life is good. SO i thought! The car acts like it wants to start but wont. I checked the code on the ECU and it says CPS. I know this can't be. Could i not be getting enough spark? Could the ECU be bad? Where do i go from here?

I have fuel,
I have spark,
even tried a little starting fluid
still nothing???
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the engine's compression and the fuel pressure. You can have fuel in the fuel rail but are the injector/s pulsing? they don't pulsed no fuel delivery in the combustion chamber.
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
Inbox :: Message
From: anthony77
To: rasmataz
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:11 pm
Subject: wont start
I can hear all my injectors clicking when i turn my CPS by hand. Would'nt this mean there all working? My ECU say 55 no code errors? Man I could pull my hair out


Check the fuel pressure and compression comeback with the readings
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
ANTHONY77
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
[quote:bc48483aca="rasmataz"]Inbox :: Message
From: anthony77
To: rasmataz
Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:11 pm
Subject: wont start
I can hear all my injectors clicking when i turn my CPS by hand. Would'nt this mean there all working? My ECU say 55 no code errors? Man I could pull my hair out


Check the fuel pressure and compression comeback with the readings[/quote:bc48483aca]

ok I have 150psi on average cyl.
And 40pis on fuel

thanks for looking
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
FRANK_DUX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Electrical problem
1990 Nissan 300ZX 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 170000 miles

I installed an after market radio in my Z and everything worked fine. Then i tried to install an amplifier for a subwoofer. The wiring was left from the previous owner who had an amplifier, so i did no re-wiring whatsoever. Unfortunately i didn't disconnect the negative cable from the battery before i connected the power (12v) wire running from the amp to the positive terminal of the battery and there was a small spark when i connected that wire.

Now the car wont start; it won't even turn over (crank). There is full power to everything. The radio works, headlamps, windows, everything. Its similar to when when you turn the key on a car that is standard but you haven't pushed the clutch in. Everything is lighting up on the gague cluster just as it normally would.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi frank_dux, Thank you for the donation. Seems a power supply is preventing the stater circuit fron operating. I have the schematic here which should help you diagnose the problem. It most probably is a blown fuse.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_Start90Nissan300ZXMT01_1.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_Start90Nissan300ZXMT02_1.jpg

Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
FRANK_DUX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
thanks for your response. any idea which fuse it could be? i checked all the ones that were ignition related but they were fine. Could it be a fuse that is not ignition related? _____________________________________
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
Sorry for the delay in answering. Seems to be having connection problems. After going through your question and the schematic, I realised I forgot to mention the anti-theft system. Since you have power to the dash, it should not be any fault with the power supply as they have to pass through the ignition switch and there is no specific starter related fuse. It could be caused by the anti-theft system and you have to check if the relay is working when cranking. Check the clutch interlock relay power supply as well.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_RelayClutch90Nissan300ZX_1.jpg

Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
NOELZX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Computer problem
1990 Nissan 300ZX 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 140ooo miles

my zx stopped one night would not start again smoke signal appeared on dash lights I think one of the sensors has tripped the computer could be something to do with the catalytic converter but if the converters blocked it should still start been trying to find a solution for over a year. How do I untrip the computer do I have to have a diagnostic analysis done Thank you
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
MHPAUTOS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there, the first thing you must do is get the diagnostics scan done, this will give you the set fault code that has caused the check light to come on, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
SIC300Z
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
i have a 1990 nissan 300zx. it has around 156000 miles on it. when i put the key in the ignition, all the acc. lights come on. so i know there is power, but when i try to start the car it blows my battery fuse and in turn wont start or turn over. i have checked the starter and it said it is good. do you think it could be the alternator or a bad ground.
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)
Avatar
KIN CHAN
  • MEMBER
  • 453 POSTS
easy!!!....do a voltage drop test on ur starting sys...
tell me which fuse it blew.....we must have work on 100 300ZX last year..no big deal...
good luck man
Apr 4, 2017 at 10:47 AM (Merged)