Rough Start and acceleration

[86Zman]

I have a 1986 300zx that im restoring, Iv just started driving it again not to long ago.

I'm having a few problems with the engine right now.
On start up i go to start the car, it will turn over and not start. I try to start it again and it fires up and its a very rough start up.

I think this may have something to do with the Fuel injectors or spark plugs although i can't be certain.

Another one of my Problems is that i have Jerky acceleration, but when im at a constant cruising speed everything seems to run fine. I'v read around and iv seen that it could be caused by the Fuel filter or Pump, Fuel Injectors...O2 sensor and the alike. Could it have been a bad tank of gas...i actually put about a 1/2 tank in from a gas can that had been sitting around for i dont know how long.

Can anyone give me any ideas on how i can do to pinpoint this problem?

[T-BoneSki]

I have a 85 Z with the exact problems / symptoms... Same scenario : been sitting for a while... One day it runs really good and the next day it bucks and kicks like a mule - Will not Tach above 2 grand or go above 50 MPH... Kinda like my ole lady ( moody - good days and bad )... Would appreciate any insight as to where to look for a solution ( for the Z - not the ole lady... )

[86Zman]

Originally Posted by 86Zman

I have a 1986 300zx that im restoring, Iv just started driving it again not to long ago.

I'm having a few problems with the engine right now.
On start up i go to start the car, it will turn over and not start. I try to start it again and it fires up and its a very rough start up.

I think this may have something to do with the Fuel injectors or spark plugs although i can't be certain.

Another one of my Problems is that i have Jerky acceleration, but when im at a constant cruising speed everything seems to run fine. I'v read around and iv seen that it could be caused by the Fuel filter or Pump, Fuel Injectors...O2 sensor and the alike. Could it have been a bad tank of gas...i actually put about a 1/2 tank in from a gas can that had been sitting around for i dont know how long.

Can anyone give me any ideas on how i can do to pinpoint this problem?

yeah iv noticed that too, sometimes its fine sometimes it runs like crap, very confusing when you get in the car in the morning and it runs crappy, you jump in at 8 at night and it runs fine...Either way, ill let you know if i find out anyhting

[DeleriousZ]

hmm. it seems like there is a lot of this going around lately with the cooler mornings coming around... if you haven't tried doing a full tune up (air filter, fuel filter, plugs, injector cleaner maybe new wires) also check your distributor cap and rotor like you said.. i'd fill up with some better gas if you can..

boneski it sounds like your ecu is running in 'safe mode'... is your check engine light on?

oh, and when you pull your plugs take a look at them and tell me what colour they are when you do

[86Zman]

I just recently changed the spark plug cables, not the spark plugs. Although i have some Bosche Platnum's to put on there. I changed the Oil and Oil filter also, along with the air Filer. I bought a Fuel filter but i couldnt find the right size screw driver to get the old one out. So i think Im going to put the new Fuel Filter on there, and then get some fresh gas (tank is on Empty) and see what happens. If the Problem Presists after the fresh gas and Fuel filter, ill take it in for a tune up and have them Install those new Spark plugs i have (They will put the ones i have previously purchased, right?) and have a mechanic look at the fuel injectors,along with having them look into this problem.

**Edit**
I'v also noticed that sometimes my tempature guage doesn't work, other times it does, could this have some sort of correlation?