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If your 84 300zx turbo w manual will turn over but not start strong smell of fuel and exhaust when it turns what might be wrong?

It sounds like you're dealing with a common problem in older cars, and the strong smell of fuel and exhaust is a key indicator. Here's a breakdown of the likely culprits and how to troubleshoot them:

Possible Problems:

1. Fuel System Issues:

* Fuel Pump: A failing fuel pump might not be delivering enough fuel pressure. This could be due to a weak pump, clogged fuel filter, or problems in the fuel lines.

* Fuel Injectors: Clogged or faulty injectors can prevent the proper amount of fuel from reaching the cylinders.

* Fuel Pressure Regulator: A malfunctioning regulator could be letting too much fuel into the system, leading to a rich fuel mixture.

2. Ignition System Issues:

* Spark Plugs & Wires: Worn spark plugs or damaged wires can prevent proper ignition, leading to a weak or non-existent spark.

* Ignition Coil: A faulty ignition coil might not be delivering enough voltage to the spark plugs.

* Distributor Cap & Rotor: Cracked or worn distributor components can cause faulty spark delivery.

3. Engine Management System:

* Sensors: Problems with sensors like the oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, or coolant temperature sensor can disrupt the engine's fuel and ignition timing.

* Engine Control Unit (ECU): A faulty ECU can cause incorrect timing and fuel delivery.

4. Other Issues:

* Compression: Low compression in one or more cylinders can make starting difficult and lead to fuel smells.

* Air Intake: A leak in the air intake system can introduce unmetered air, leading to a rich fuel mixture.

* Fuel Line Leak: A leak in the fuel line can result in fuel being wasted and contributing to the strong smell.

Troubleshooting Tips:

1. Check for Spark: Test for spark at the spark plugs to see if the ignition system is working.

2. Fuel Pressure Test: Use a fuel pressure gauge to measure fuel pressure at the fuel rail.

3. Check for Fuel Leaks: Carefully inspect the fuel lines, injectors, and fuel pump for leaks.

4. Scan for Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to read any error codes stored in the ECU. This can provide valuable clues.

5. Visual Inspection: Inspect the intake manifold, air filter, and other components for signs of leaks.

6. Compression Test: If you suspect low compression, a compression test can help pinpoint the issue.

Important Safety Note:

* Fuel is highly flammable. Be extremely cautious when working around the fuel system.

* Disconnect the battery before working on any electrical components.

Best Approach:

Start with the simplest and most likely culprits (fuel pump, spark plugs, fuel filter). If those are fine, proceed to more complex components. If you're not comfortable troubleshooting these issues yourself, take your car to a qualified mechanic.