[Esben_Denmark]

Hi everybody,
I bought a 280z 2+2 ‘77 last year and love the car! However it has some issues cold starting. I have to run the starter for 4-5 times before it starts. Pretty uncool when you are showing your pride and joy to interested people
I was told the throttle body was not original, but cannot find out which parts have been changed.

Anybody capable of identifying which components have been used? It says Hitashi on top of the thing to the right - I don’t know the english word for it…

And any ideas for solving the cold start issues?

Please see pictures.
I am sorry if my question seems stupid - I am used to fiddle with carbureted motorcycles…

Thank you for any help and hallo from Denmark

 

[Esben_Denmark]

Does it have a cold start valve? What diameter is the throttle body?

Hi Andrew, thank you for your answer

Could you help me by pointing in the right direction - where should the cold start valve be placed?
I will check the diameter later today.

 

[Esben_Denmark]

View attachment 111103

The cols start valve is located right on top of the standard 280z throttle body in the middle of the housing. It's held in by 2 bolts, has a fuel line attached to it and a 2 prong electrical connector. It is essentially an extra fuel injector that adds extra fuel to the intake system of the fuel to help it run while cold, so it get's to operating temperature quicker. It is controlled by the Thermo Time switch in the Thermostat housing and relies on the Water temp sensor and switch in the thermostat housing to be operating properly and accurately as well.

I've attached a picture for reference.

Hi Andrew,
Sorry for the late reply. It seems like the cold start valve is there - working or not I am not sure if…
I found this two prong connector tugged away under the ignition (see picture) any idea of what is should be used for?

 

[Esben_Denmark]

may want to test the ign switch

Hi Dave,
Sorry for the late reply.
Definitely worth trying.
I think my problem lies with the non-original throttle body… it was installed by the former owner in order to achieve some extra power. Sadly I do not know which unit was installed and how it is connected…

 

[Esben_Denmark]

I disagree. If the throttle body wasn't right for the car it would not only have a tough time starting, but would also run poorly once it's on. The way I found out my ignition switch was bad (I had the exact same issue) was when turning the key, the 'floor temp' light is supposed to come on (if you have one on your central console - which is a CA car thing). Mine wasn't coming on, then the second it flashed on, the car started. The delay is what told me it was the ignition switch.

Lemme ask you this, in your 4-5 key turns - if you turn the key and just let it crank forever will it not start but the second you turn the key again it will? I'm with dave that its probably your ignition switch if thats the case.

Hi chaseincats and Dave,
It is a very interesting theory! And definitely seems like it might be the case. The key looks original with a “Z” logo on it and very worn.
I do not have the floor temp. Light. Is there an alternative way of checking this without removing the key housing (or whatever it is called in English )?