Bought a Datsun 280zx, When I was driving the thing started OVERHT-smoking really pungently and died. Ideas?

Question

Bought a Datsun 280zx, When I was driving the thing started smoking really pungently and died. Ideas?
Car will not start...

The guy who sold it to me said the clutch fan, waterpump or radiator is bad. Whats up??!?@!!! HELP

Also, there was no water in radiator?

Answer 1

Well I would say if there was no water in it, you cracked the head, and or blew the head gasket
First fill it up with water and if you can start the car. Now pull the dip stick and see if there is water in the oil.
If there is it is a shure sign the head gasket is blown

Answer 2

If the water pump is bad then driving the car without water in the radiator has probably busted the engine head which is a costly repair.
Also your therostat may have been stuck and now it's a moot point because you have bigger problems if indeed the head is busted.

Answer 3

If you knew the clutch fan, waterpump or radiator were bad, why were you driving it? most likley, as said by others here, your probably looking at either a total rebuild, or replacement of the motor. My advise is sell it to a wrecking yard for $75.00 because it's going to be, from here on out a money pit. Your going to dump more money into it than it's worth.

Answer 4

Your engine is now junk! More than likely you cracked heads and possibly the block. If it's smoking you definitely have severe damage! Start looking for a replacement!

Answer 5

Oh how COULD you?!?! My old 280 still haunts me, really wish I would have kept that car. You don't say how long ago you bought it but regardless, I sure hoped you made sure it was drivable before you drove off in it. The seller DID tell you it had cooling system problems....

Answer 6

You are gonna have to get another Datsun. I'd say a NEW Datsun, but that does not exist.