buick roadmaster estate wagon will not start unless i turn the switch three times then it hestaite then it will start what is the problem

The reason you have so many "views" and very few "answers", is because this problem could have many different causes. Personally, I would start by checking the cranking fuel pressure. On that era V-8 engine, if the fuel pump relay goes bad, it causes a long crank time, or multiple crank situation. The reason this engine will start with a bad fuel pump relay, is because GM built-in a safety. The electrical current will bypass the relay via the oil pressure switch. If the relay is bad, the car will still start, after the engine cranks long enough to produce sufficient oil pressure. One test would be to hold the key down longer "cranking", until the engine starts (but no longer than 5 seconds), don't burn up your starter. If it starts, I would replace the fuel pump relay (about $15 ,cheapest fix). If it still has the problem, get it to a trusted local shop for a better diagnosis.

One more thing. You can save yourself $15 by locating the fuel pump relay via your owners manual. If there is another relay in the fuse/relay box that has the same part number, you can swap the relays out. Just make sure that the other relay is for some sort of accessory, and not for engine functions. If your car starts OK but the other accessory doesn't work/or correctly, then buy a new fuel pump relay.