Intermittent starting problems

[09facelift]

Hi All,

Would love to get some input on this please. My beloved 2 year old Octavia TDi ( Mk 2 facelift 1.9 PD )....the third of three Octavias, is starting to wind me up a bit. On certain mornings, it simply won't start without cranking the ignition and pumpimg the accelerator pedal repeatedly for about 2 mins. It's an intermittent fault and it's not dependent on the outside temperature. However, it does seem to be worse the longer it is left without starting. I've had it in to the dealer a number of times but needless to say, they are not able to replicate the fault. I am concerned about knackering the catalytic converter from using the accelerator to start, but it's the only way to get it going.....

Any suggestions/advice welcome,

Thanks,

Hugh

[KenONeill]

Is the cranking speed lower when you have difficulty starting it? If so, suspect the battery.

If not, then the only thing I can think of is an intermittent air leak!

[09facelift]

Is the cranking speed lower when you have difficulty starting it? If so, suspect the battery.

If not, then the only thing I can think of is an intermittent air leak!

Thanks for replying, Ken. No, Cranking speed is not noticeably different. I'm wondering if it could be dirty fuel or something like that?

I really have no idea and the fact that the Skoda dealers can't find it is a bit worrying. I'm also concerned that this fault may lead to bigger things down the road!