Car takes a long time to crank.

[SouthernChaos]

Hello all,

I recently bought a 1987 Nissan 300zx Turbo and other than some cosmetic issues it runs great aside from one thing. Every couple days it takes an unusually long time to crank, nothing drastic mind you, just long enough to make you think it's not going to start (which it always ends up starting).

-On the occasion it doesn't start right away it takes about 10 seconds to start.
-I can hear the fuel pump prime when I turn the key.
-I do have the clutch depressed to the floor.
-Starter turns perfectly with no shortage of power from battery.
-Engine doesn't hit at all during the 10 seconds as if it's not getting fuel, or fire, (or that which it desires).
-When it does finally hit, it comes to life immediately with no hesitation and runs perfectly the rest of the time I have it on.

This sounds to me like a fuel issue, or a timing issue. Since I hopefully can get a couple days off coming up I'm going to replaced the fuel filter and timing belt since the previous owner did not mention having it replaced, and it doesn't look new. I'll probably do the water pump as well while I'm there.

The only code the car throws at me is for the O2 sensor, which I'm guessing is from it burning oil. After running it for a while you get a faint smell of it.

While I'm stuck at work though, I decided I'd seek advice from some veteran z31 owners to see if this is a common problem. Any help or suggestions would be terrific.

Thanks in advance.

[themadscientist]

Does it always happen when completely cold? My Silvia would act that way only when cold and it was low compression.

[evildky]

FPR, Often the fpr stops sealing as well and when you shut the car off the fuel begins to bleed pressure off, the longer the car sits or the more incline the parking the longer it takes to build the pressure back up and actually start. Pretty common issue as cars age, while I can't guarantee this is your issue it's a likely suspect.

[SouthernChaos]

Thank you for the suggestions, will look in to the fpr.

Funny thing is sometimes it will do it after it's been parked for 12 hours (at work), sometimes it won't do it after sitting in my yard for a couple days. But yes it only does it when completely cold.