1981 Nissan 280z problems

Common 1981 Nissan 280z problems

Based on the information gathered from various sources about common problems with the Nissan 280ZX, particularly the 1981 model, here is a detailed list of issues reported by owners:

• Valve Ticking and Rocker Arm Problems: Excessive valve ticking has been reported by owners, indicating potential issues with the rocker arms or cam. Addressing this problem may require a valve clearance adjustment to resolve the ticking noise.

• Oil Pressure Gauge Malfunction: Owners have noted instances where the oil pressure gauge does not function correctly. This could be due to a faulty sending unit, which may need to be replaced to ensure accurate oil pressure readings.

• Cold Start Problems: Some 280ZX cars exhibit difficulties starting when cold. This issue can manifest as slow starting, low idling, or other related symptoms. Checking for cold start issues is crucial during the inspection of a potential purchase.

• Engine Performance and Head Gasket Concerns: Owners have emphasized the importance of assessing engine performance thoroughly, including checking for instant throttle response, torque, and abnormal noises like pinging. Additionally, there have been mentions of potential head gasket problems that may not be immediately apparent and could lead to serious issues if not addressed promptly.

• Water Leaks: Water leaks, particularly in T-top cars, have been highlighted as a common problem. Leaks around the outer corners of the T-top can be challenging to resolve and may require costly repairs or replacements of seals.

• Suspension Issues: While not as common, some owners have reported suspension-related problems. A full suspension build, although beneficial for performance, can be costly and may not be necessary unless the car is intended for autocross or similar competitive driving activities.

These common problems with the Nissan 280ZX 1981 model, as reported by owners and enthusiasts, underscore the importance of thorough inspection and maintenance to ensure a smooth ownership experience and address potential issues promptly.

What is the gas mileage on a 1981 280ZX?

Based on data from 2 vehicles, 15 fuel-ups and 5,935 miles of driving, the 1981 Nissan 280ZX gets a combined Avg MPG of 23.91 with a 1.42 MPG margin of error.

How much is a 1981 Datsun 280ZX Turbo worth?

Q: What is the average sale price of a Nissan Datsun 280ZX Turbo? A: The average price of a Nissan Datsun 280ZX Turbo is $21,977.

What happened to the Datsun 280Z?

It was the second generation Z-car, replacing the Nissan Fairlady Z (S30) in late 1978. The 280ZX was the first time the "by Nissan" subscript was badged alongside the Datsun logo, along with Nissan trucks. The 280ZX was Motor Trend's import car of the year for 1979. The 280ZX was replaced by the Nissan 300ZX in 1984.

Is 280ZX any good?

So the 280ZX wasn't a stellar performer on the British market - but then it's debatable it would have been anyway, given its lack of appeal compared with the original 240Z and (to a lesser extent) the 260Z. In the UK, it was offered in 2+2 form only, even though the two-seater body was also offered on some markets.

1981 Nissan 280z car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan 280z problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Vehicle speed control problems
• Fuel system problems
• Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Nissan 280z vehicle components and the number of complaints received.