My 83 280zx non-turbo never starts the first time I turn the key. Sometimes it starts the 2nd time, sometimes the 3rd, sometime the 7th. There doesn't seem to be any consistency or a set process to starting it. Anybody have any idea why this is?

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Let's start with the basics...
When was the last tune-up? (A full tune up can do wonders for a tired motor).
Have you checked the fuel pressure? Leak down pressure test?

 

Oil change, air filter, and fuel filter were done approximately 200 miles ago. I have no checked fuel pressure although that did cross my mind as a possible reason. Car seems to run fine once it actually starts.

 

Hard starting when cold is usually a sign of a dead / dying fuel pressure regulator. It leaks down the pressure, so it takes a few starting times to get the fuel pressure back up. You could try turning the key to ON (not start), let the fuel pump cycle, turn off, turn back on, off, on, then try to start...

Also pull and check the spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor. Reading the plug tips is an easy way to find out what's going on with the motor overall.

 

I will try those things. Thanks for the quick responses!

 

I was having the same issue and found that my starter solenoid was stuck so if you can have someone tap on the starter while you try to start it and it does this might be the problem. If not, NismoPick is the Z savvy. ;] Good Luck

 

^^^ Ah... you make a good point...

Craig, are you saying the motor doesn't crank / turn over at all (usually just a "click-click-click" sound)? Or that it just cranks and cranks without firing?

 

Nothing happens...the fuel pump cycles, I turn the key to start it and nothing happens at all. No clicks, no crank, nothing. I have tried turning the key from off to on a few times to let the fuel pump cycle multiple times before starting and that doesn't seem to change anything. Sometimes it starts with the clutch depressed and sometimes with the clutch release...lol...I don't know. Like I said, there is absolutely no consistency in the starting procedure.

 

My 83 had simular issues. It was originally an automatic so I had to bypass the relay it get it to work right. What you need to do first is determine if it's the ignition switch, clutch switch, or a wiring problem. Start at the ignition switch. You should have battery voltage at the yellow wire when you turn it to the start position. If it does (but doesn't crank) go to the clutch switch and check for continuity when the pedal is depressed. If these pass then you're gonna have to trace the whole circuit.

 

Sometimes you can take a hammer and smack the starter real hard, worked for me in the past. It might be stuck, and have a few teeth on the flywheel missing. You might pull the starter, try it out of the car, inspect the teeth, see if that's all good to go.