Hi Briskoda ! just joined this forum as it looks like the best about.

Got our lovely car* a year back , and it didn't start well in the cold.. Had to pre-glow 5,6,7 times to get the engine to start and sometimes give it a bit of a help with the accelerator.

Starts absolutely fine when its above +8c and when engine has run for a short while.

*Octavia Ambiante AUTO 1.9 2002 best car we have ever owned, except the cold starting issue we have only had the Air Mass Meter replaced.

A year on, worse than ever, We had her put through a diagnostic test and had all her faults cleared.

still starting badly under +7c !

so replaced the battery for a heavy duty one.

Still starting badly, put a new set of glow plugs in

another iffy start this evening..

we shall see what tomorrow morning brings

but I am getting concerned ..

any suggestions ?

thanks

How many miles?

When was the cambelt last changed? If the timing is badly retarded the car will have difficulty starting in cold weather. The timing also becomes more retarded as the belt ages.

Does it start spot on when the weather is warm? If it still lugs a bit when warm it could be the fuel pump timing belt is a tooth out.

Hi and welcome aboard.

Hello and welcome along dougweiser

How many miles?

125000

When was the cambelt last changed? If the timing is badly retarded the car will have difficulty starting in cold weather. The timing also becomes more retarded as the belt ages.

We got the dealer to replace the Cam Belt when we bought it

(as the cam belt failure destroyed our previous Car - live n learn)

that was about 10,000 miles and exactly a year ago..

Starts better with the new glows in, the old ones were badly charred 2 came out like charcoal sticks ! can I add photos to posts ??

Even with the plug replaced it Still needs 6 pre glows to fire, but does not fail and sputter when trying, I have noticed that the white smoke has decreased as well.

It was 6.5deg C this morning so its an improvement, but by no means perfect.. I am concerned that I have remedied the problem but not located it.

Does it start spot on when the weather is warm? If it still lugs a bit when warm it could be the fuel pump timing belt is a tooth out.

She starts spot on in the warm, its only when stood in the cold for more than 7 - 8 hours or overnight that there's an issue with starting again.

Thanks to all of you who are taking time to help out.. I hope the festive season is causing more joy than grief :yes: