If key doesn't turn (feels like steering wheel in locked position but isn't), remove it and it turn fine, what is this a symptom of?
If switch going, what's best solution?

When I position my video (battery operated) behind the rear view mirror (actually behind a a bracked for my GPS just below the mirror) all audio is
very clear. When engine started audio breaks up into a staccato/ muffled
mode. Thought it might be elec. fans, which do get picked up, but running them without engine on does'nt seem to effect audio, only with engine running. The distributor/HEI is right up against the cowl, so I'm thinking ignidtion interference. If so any ideas? Resistor plugs?
Jack

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John D .... original 240 past, 260v8Roadster current

1. Your original Z ignition at the steering wheel is actually two separate systems; (1) is the key set/lock, and the other is the actual ignition switch.

2. All the key does is unlock the steering wheel and turn a metal nub at the base of the lockset. That metal nub fits into a neoprene slot in your actual ignition switch, which cause the electrical connections to start and run your car.

3. You can actually disconnect the two units (2 tiny screws) and start your Z by turning the neoprene slot in the ignition switch. As long as you don't lock your steering wheel, you can start and drive your car with your fingernail or a screwdriver. But so can everyone else.

4. If your lockset is wearing out, replacement tumbler kits are available thru MSA for under $200. If your key is worn on one side, turn it over and insert it upside down to see if there's a difference. A bit of tape or nail polish on one side of the key will remind you what way to insert it.

5. Because you replaced the original Z engine (which had the distributor in the front) with a Chevy V8 (which has the distributor in the rear), you can expect some electrical interference in many of your listening devices now. It was such a common problem back in the 1950s & '60s, the 1957 Corvette introduced a lead-lined 'static shield' covering the distributor, just so the occupants could listen to the radio without an rpm-following whine in the broadcast. They also offered shielded spark plug wires to further reduce the static noise.
Corvettes were fiberglass and that was part of the problem, but the 1957 Chevy Fuel Injected engines also used the high-output distributor too, and even the steel '57 body would not stop the RF interference. So the '57 Fuelie cars had the chromed, lead-lined RF interference distributor covers, also.
It's part of the cost of using a V8.

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1970 240Z

By the way, Jack ~ when I lived on Okinawa I owned a Datsun 510 sedan which had the same key problem you describe. Replacement was such a PITA with the language barrier, I simply unscrewed the ignition switch, left it hanging under the dash, and started the car with a screwdriver. When I parked the car I unplugged the switch and carried it in my pocket (or hid it under the gas cap door) and only used the key to lock the doors.
To restart the car I plugged the switch into the plastic connector, twisted the neoprene slot and drove away. I never used the key inside the car.

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1970 240Z

Thanks Frank,
regards the RFI, the stereo works fine, no interference at all.
Maybe it's the camera?
Jack

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John D .... original 240 past, 260v8Roadster current

Naw ~ turn your radio to AM and you'll notice it immediately.

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1970 240Z

Haven't had a chance to try the AM but I believe your correct.

I think I'll pick up some lead sheeting and try to shield the HEI or camera.
should be worth a try, what do you think?
Jack

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John D .... original 240 past, 260v8Roadster current

["... I'll pick up some lead sheeting..... should be worth a try, what do you think?"]

I'm all in favor of anything which adds weight to your Roadster so the rest of us can keep up with you!

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1970 240Z

Very funny! Might force me to go from a 650cfm to an 850 carb.
Hear that giant SUCKING sound can't you?

BTW, I'm a bit upset with the fact that the Alice trip didn't happen last weekend because this left a big hole in the schedule and forced me to do actual work around the house all weekend. yuk!

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John D .... original 240 past, 260v8Roadster current

It could be the camera... For some of my video cameras, I think there is some kind of amplitude reduction when it thinks there is wind noise. Unfortunately, the rumble of a car motor makes it do this.

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Justin
1986 Z31 NA 2+0

["the rumble of a car motor makes it do this"]

Then it would do this from any position, not just up near the RFI from the distributor. Jack could walk the camera around the car for us and report on where it started/stopped interfering. I maintain it's RFI from the engine's electrical ignition.

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1970 240Z

I can mount the camera on the back of the car and everything is fine.
Get tired of backwards pix, however.
Jack

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John D .... original 240 past, 260v8Roadster current

["Get tired of backwards pix..."] Wait, it matters which way the camera is POINTED?? Not where it is mounted??
I'm confused.

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1970 240Z

I mount it on the back license plate facing backwards. This is good for a caravan so I can let the other cars come by and get a view of the line of vehicles. Audio is good and picks up passing cars also. No rfi from this loscation.
Jack

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John D .... original 240 past, 260v8Roadster current

Ahhhh.

My diagnosis remains unchanged.

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1970 240Z