Odd starting issue

[Dewme5]

Ka24e in a pickup with manual trans.

Just bought the truck two days ago. Unable to talk to the previous owner.

Ignition key switch is really lose, but when pulled apart, and activating the electrical portion directly, the problems remain.

When attempting to crank, some times it will start, some times out will crank over, but not start, and sometimes out will not even crank.

When it does start, I think it has more to do with the stars aligning then anything else.

Bump starting it is really easy, so the timing and coil would seem to be good to go.

I'm thinking the starter needs replaced, as evident by the refusal to crank sometimes. I just can not afford to their parts at it for no reason.

Battery was just replaced, and terminals cleaned.

Is there a relay or anything I should check first.

[Dewme5]

Replaced the starter last night, and the problem is unchanged.

I'll swap out to a stronger battery next I guess, unless someone has a better idea.

[silver350z05rb]

So are you getting the usual clicking sounds from a low battery,or does it crank really sluggish and slow?

[Dewme5]

I put a brand new battery in on the weekend but I could probably use a larger one.

occasionally I get the clicking sound sometimes it starts sometimes it cranks and doesn't start.

I might have just traced it down to being a bad ignition switch not the key but the electronics behind it. I got it to start a couple times in a row if I barely turn the key and not twist it all the way.

[silver350z05rb]

Seems like you are correct from the testing you've done