Starting problem.

[Enid]

Twice over the past 3 or 4 weeks my car has been difficult to start. The engine turns over but it wont catch. Eventually it will start and then its fine. The last time it happened was in the morning and the car was covered in condesation so i'm guessing that dampness is causing the problem somwhere???

What things can I check for to try and recify the fault???

Cheers guys.

[big hp]

Condensation seals around the top of spark plug holes.

[Enid]

I checked those and they appeared ok. Surely its unlikely that all of them would be duff, wouldn't the car start but run on two or three cylinders?? I'd have thought that if there is damp somehwere it would be more and the distributor car backwards??? Or am I being a bit simple :oops:

[j3ned]

when you say it turns over but wont catch, what do you mean.

Could it possibly be a dud solenoid on the starter motor ? thats a real common fault on the clio lump

[Enid]

Well the engine just keeps turning over but won't fire up, like chugger cugger chugger very quickly but without the brrrrmmmmm bit at the end :D

[fab]

just a thought.immobiliser/alarm short?

[Enid]

Could be alarm which is a weird and wonderful creation on my car.

[Rajk]

have you been running the petrol right down? if so you may have some crap in the fuel, I found also that a quick clean of the dizzy cap helps, can get a bit dusty in there.

[BRUN]

what are these condensation seals ?

[BRUN]

is it 77 03 065 237

[VIPERONE]

check your earths and leads are ok...

[Enid]

have you been running the petrol right down? if so you may have some crap in the fuel, I found also that a quick clean of the dizzy cap helps, can get a bit dusty in there.

I do sometimes run the fuel very low, if there is crap what should I do about it??

[LEIGH-ANNE]

dont think there is a lot u can do about that once its been done. I dont let my tank get below about a fiver of petrol. fill the tank upto bout £15 and take it for a good drive, add some fuel additive too. That mite sort a bit of the problem out. :)

[Craig]

TDC sensor mate! (crank sensor)

replace it from one from GSF.

Might possibly not be, but I've had similar probs and it sorted it! only cheap too!

[Enid]

Cheers for all the help guys, i'll let you know how I get on.

[BRUN]

ive read you can tell if the TDC sensor is working properly by turning the ignition on, the rev counter (IIRC) needle should jump slightly

if you have run the tank down low, replace the fuel filter and put some fuel treatment through it

[kendo]

I had a similar problem with a valver I had if it is only when the car is cold you should check cold start sensor it mine went south on me was intermittent though and started fine when warm, its worth a look didnt cost much to fix hope this helps.

[Enid]

I hate intermittent problems, makes it very hard to find out whats at fault, since i made this post the car has been fine :roll: I'll have to give give it a good checking over this weekend, thanks for the tips and advice guys.

[BRUN]

is it still doing it ?