Intermittent failure to start - Infamous Nissan

FrontalLobe · 04-19-2022, 06:02 PM

Looking for some thoughts on troubleshooting an intermittent failure to start on my 84 720.

Accessory electronics work consistently, but sometimes it will not start. No sounds at all!
Just replaced the starter, and it is getting power. Battery is good and terminal connections clean and tight.

Not sure if it could be the ignition switch starting to go? Tried to diagnose by using a voltmeter on it but couldn't get a reading even tho the accessories work.

Someone told me to check the starter relay, but can't tell if these had one. The power looks like it goes straight from the battery to the starter.

Thanks for anyone with some thoughts/input!

dvdswan · 04-19-2022, 07:39 PM

Welcome to the site.

You can download a 720 FSM here... https://www.nicoclub.com/datsun-service-manuals

Reserector · 04-20-2022, 02:49 PM

The positive cable runs directly to the starter, but there is usually a smaller wire from the relay that runs to the Solenoid on the starter. The smaller wire is what needs to see power from the starter relay (on the fender) when you turn the key.

cadillacdude1975 · 04-21-2022, 01:48 AM

Auto or manual trans?

04-19-2022, 06:02 PM	#1
FrontalLobe Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: BC Posts: 1 Vehicle: 1984 Nissan 720 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Intermittent failure to start Looking for some thoughts on troubleshooting an intermittent failure to start on my 84 720. Accessory electronics work consistently, but sometimes it will not start. No sounds at all! Just replaced the starter, and it is getting power. Battery is good and terminal connections clean and tight. Not sure if it could be the ignition switch starting to go? Tried to diagnose by using a voltmeter on it but couldn't get a reading even tho the accessories work. Someone told me to check the starter relay, but can't tell if these had one. The power looks like it goes straight from the battery to the starter. Thanks for anyone with some thoughts/input!

04-19-2022, 07:39 PM	#2
dvdswan Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Port Orchard, WA Posts: 5,738 Vehicle: 96 HB Thanks: 222 Thanked 926 Times in 807 Posts	Welcome to the site. You can download a 720 FSM here... https://www.nicoclub.com/datsun-service-manuals __________________ Dave 96 HB XE SAS'd D44 3-link on 35s http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2618002

04-20-2022, 02:49 PM	#3
Reserector the Flaming Marshmallow Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Laurel, MS Posts: 2,130 Vehicle: '86.5 Nissan HB KC 4x4 5.3V8 Thanks: 141 Thanked 601 Times in 471 Posts	The positive cable runs directly to the starter, but there is usually a smaller wire from the relay that runs to the Solenoid on the starter. The smaller wire is what needs to see power from the starter relay (on the fender) when you turn the key. __________________ Becoming the Flaming Marshmallow * SAS * V8 Conversion * The FM "Z71 Conversion" Explained Vid * Ride-Along Vid

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04-21-2022, 01:48 AM	#4
cadillacdude1975 The Gear Jammer Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chattanooga, TN Age: 50 Posts: 10,741 Vehicle: 87 VG33 Pathfinder SE 4x4 & 87 D21 SE Thanks: 462 Thanked 1,414 Times in 1,278 Posts	Auto or manual trans?