Starting problems

[drunkenmaster]

My 260Z is having issues starting when left for a day or two, once i do get it going it will only be able to start itself for around 12-24 hours after being shut down.

The starter seems to be going quite strong all the time, there is just no sign of the engine turning over.

At first I thought the battery was on its way out but my multimeter showed it holding a good 12V even when the car was not starting. To confirm this I jump started the car this morning and even with 13.5V provided from the good car it still was struggling and took several attempts, although a bit more convincingly than on its own.

The only way I can get it to start is to hook it up to a running good car and turn the idle screw right up and crank it a few times, it will then cough to life followed by the roar of a 3000rpm idle.

Pumping the gas and the choke dont seem to have any effect, infact the choke doesnt seem to do much at all although I have checked and it moves the linkages under the bonnet.

I dont claim to be a mechanic but I am slowly learning, opinions of the more experienced would be great.

[Zedrally]

Not surprisingly my 260 is difficult to start as well.

I've still got the original flat tops and found it easier to start after the fuel pump has filled the carbie bowls.

Turn the ignition on and listen to the pump, it will start clicking. When the bowls are full it changes sound.

At this point I consider the carbie's full and use the choke to prime the engine.

Hope this helps.

MOM

[drunkenmaster]

Ive noticed the clicking but never heard it change sound, definately something I will try, thanks.

[Gav240z]

While I think your offering good advice I'm not so sure that is the problem.

How does it run when it is running? Does it accelerate ok? I'm starting to think electric issue, maybe not good enough spark or timing could be out.

Hard to diagnose but can u specify what carbs you have and your distributor type?

Did you also check that your choke is connected in a manner that would mean both sides are being given the same amount of choke they are notorious for getting sticky also.

I also had a 260z that would require several cranks before coming to life I blame this on the points distributor. As well as rotten british SU's.

[drunkenmaster]

hmmm....actually you may be right.

To get it running the first time we scrubbed the plugs and cleaned the distributor contacts which where caked in white oxidisation, i then charged up the battery and it started fine. I assumed it was the battery still but now that we think about it, the battery charge may have done nothing and it was the quick electrical clean that may have done it.

We cleaned the contacts with a flathead screwdriver but maybe i should get some emery paper and do it properly.

I have the standard mech. distributor, 240z carbs and the car drives very well once started/warm.

The idle is a bit high when warm due to how i have to set it to warm it up/start it up and it often sticks requiring a quick thrttle tap to let it get back to idle.

I'll check the choke out again also, Im not too familiar with carbs and choke sytems etc yet, but it doesnt look too complex.

[Gav240z]

Nothing complex but they need constant maintenance. I think if you replace the points the condenser on the side of the distributor the rotor button and dizzy cap as well as spark plugs you will get alot better ignition.

Infact I guarantee it, just the points alone can transform the car but they are a bit tricky to set up.

Sticky chokes are the norm unfortuantely unless you plan on rebuilding them don't loose sleep over it, (I have before) half kidding there.

You should be able to do all that for around $60 I'd say if not less and it will be more reliable, don't know how many ignition problems I've had with points dizzies.

She should start nicer but don't expect first key turn action, the spark is alot weaker with the points than the electronic one. I think the ballast resistor reduces the voltage.

Let us know how you go.

[drunkenmaster]

Are you talking about replacing with new parts?

How much does an electronic distributor go for and how much effort is it to fit?

Car was a no go this morning again after around 5 attempts even after a good day of driving yesterday.

Had to pop the hood and turn up the idle again to get the car to start, still took around 4 attempts but each was almost there.