Very hard or no start when cold

[bytemyfsb]

Ok I snagged a 1990 300ZX for $1800 in semi-rough condition. Needs a new front bumper, driver side window regulator, and some other little stuff. I simply love the look of the Z.

Anyway, I have noticed that when its cold (15 degrees F here at the moment). The Z doesn't want to start or starts and runs very rough until its run for a minute or so. If I keep cranking on it will sputter like it wants to start, but does not. When I get out I can smell gas pretty strong, so this leads me to believe that the car is simply flooded and either isn't getting enough spark or is simply dumping too much fuel into the engine at cold start up.

After the car has run for 5 minutes or so, it will start up and run every time. Where might I start looking to solve this issue. I have already purchased new plugs and will replace those ASAP, but I didn't want to jump for coil packs until I get a little more info.

Let me know your thoughts.

P.S. I'm really looking forward to reviving this Z!!!

[evildky]

not too familiar with the z32's cold start setup but sounds like a cold start valve or idle air control valve ro similar, could also be a vacume leak, cost start needs to be choked sounds like you're just getting too much air

[bytemyfsb]

I think the car is actually flooding since I can smell gas. So I'm thinking either not enough air or weak spark.

Any other ideas?

[evildky]

weak spark could be the PTU or the individual coil packs, the PTU is far more problematic but the temperature depandant issue kinda rules out spark, if it were the CHTS it would have a hard time starting on a warm day and run rich all the time, I still suspect idle air or whatever the z32 specific valve is called

[gpelite]

My car used to be a hard start with the same problems when I first bought it too. I had a bad alternator, battery, and 2 bad injectors which produced a nasty gas smell all the time.

After going through all that the gas smell is gone and its playing nice now