My '85 245 (200K + miles) has long started almost as quickly as I would turn the key. Over the last 2-3 years this has slowly degraded so that now it may take 4-5 cranks. Recently it didn't start when parked for several hours and started "reluctantly" when I returned with tools the next day. Once started and run for a minute, the car drove well.

To begin my testing in the parking lot I connected a timing light to test for a working electrical system (a Brickboard idea, new to me). I noticed that the light did not flash for several revolutions of the engine but the moment it did, the engine started to fire. (This was an induction timing light).

My Problem: I know how to systematically diagnosis a non-starting engine but this condition of slow starting seems to require more than the go/no go tests so I am looking for ideas. Also, can I trust that the timing light is telling me that it is the electrical system which is slow to respond? If all is well should I expect see the induction light flash as soon as the car begins turning over?

An ignition problem that's always there on start, always fixes itself, and never occurs during running does sound a bit far out. However, it's easy enough to verify. Lift the coil HT wire enough to see/hear the spark and have someone start it. If you get the same result check the power to the high side of the coil and pulses to the low side with a lamp or meter.

had a similar problem with an older brick, it only occured after i let some yahoo put an aftermarkrt cam in, wont go into why i had to change the cam, but my fix was to put a bypass switch that i could operate from inside the car to the cold start injector, to prime it with a little extra gas. the final analogy was the grind was wrong on the after market cam changing the intake vacume charactoristics. i would look into how worn your camshaft is and if it needs to be replaced go with an "OEM" cam.
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never snort horseradish

i have the same problem. well, its never refused to start after a few seconds, but it is definitely slightly hesitant to start cold. however, once it starts, it runs great. in fact, i can turn it off immediately, and it will start at the first turn of the starter. i've been told by people who know, that its just because its getting old and the valves are all carboned up. it causes them to stick a little and restricts air flow, but as soon as it starts it sort of blows a little of it out, making it more reliable. as soon as i can find some, im doing the sea foam treatment. maybe you should too. its pretty neat actually. you suck it into the intake manifold via vacuum while the engine is running and it de-carbons the valves. search the forum for sea foam and you should find more info. good luck

handsome greg