Questions and Answers

Nissan 300ZX Engine Starts But Dies Q. I have a 1987 Nissan 300ZX and I cannot seem to keep it running. It stalls and will not restart most times. I try to give it gas and it immediately stalls. I don't know what to check next. I've had someone replace the fuel pump and that does not seem to be effective. I don't know what to check and replace. This car is a VG30E non-turbo and has cruise, A/C and 5 speed manual transmission I just want it to run.

A. There are many things that can cause the engine to die as soon as it's started. The first thing to do is check all the vacuum lines and be sure they are connected properly and that they have no cracks or breaks in them. Do the same for the electrical connectors. Make sure they are clean and tight.

The next thing to do is check the computer for Diagnostic Trouble Codes, there is very likely a code stored that will point to the problem.

Check the engine idle speed and ignition timing as well. The under hood decal will tell you what the timing should be and how to check it.

Check the EGR valve to be sure it is closing all the way. Disconnecting and plugging the vacuum line to the EGR will tell you if there is a problem with the EGR control circuit.

Another possibility is the ignition switch. If the engine will stay running while the key is in the START position, you, more likely than not, have a bad ignition switch.