Has the cam belt been changed?

It may be that whoever changed the belt did not lock all of the pulleys in position and the timing is slightly out. There are two engine speed sensors, one for the crank and the other for the cam. If the timing is out, these two will not agree and the ECU will get upset. I had a similar problem with SWMBOs old Fabia TDI. Both sensors were replaced and it made no difference, however adjusting the cam timing did.

Ok Very helpful guys - had a good day with starting yesterday and not so good today. Pot luck what turns up on the day.

The engine speed sensor has been replaced already and yes the cam belt and pump have been replaced about 25000 miles ago.

So looks like a specialist is required.

Cheers

To close this thread some final information. As stated I had the engine speed sensor replaced. This improved starting but did not solve the problem but as time passed the starting (hot and cold ) improved immensely to such an extent it normally fires immediately now. I put this down to the battery having more charge and to crank faster to enable firing. There appears to be some link with less periods of poor starting (where it drains the battery) to now with a better charged battery and starting. I think there are a number of posts on this site where members have replaced the battery and starting improved vastly. I think in my case, that once the sensor had been replaced it has taken time to charge the battery.

Only my theory but may help.

Thank you again for everyone's input. I am now a very happy bunny and love driving the car even more than before. So pleased with it that I have bought new matching seat covers and matching car mats.

true, i put in a 100ah in mine and it starts within a revolution of starter, before took 8 turns on a tired 75ah

Lofty - I have a Bosch Battery in mine and it was charging OK (had it checked) but it's good to see that what you say bears out what I have found. I know that when I come to replace the battery to get a high output battery.

yeah, get a high colc crank battery, these have more grunt to fire a heavy engine. As they start using compression, the better the battery the stronger the compression stroke. you need 80ah min, a 100ah makes huge difference, and you can get ones that fit(i had to leave battery cover off though).

what ah is your battery currently

Edited 17 August, 201213 yr by Lofty79

Bosch - 70 ah - I see where your coming from - I will wait until the colder weather arrives and see how it behaves then - you know the expression, dont fix something thats not broken :-)

by which you mean if it aint broke dont fix it. Absolutely, but a bigger battery is always a good idea

check size but

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Varta-Silver-H3-Heavy-Duty-Car-Battery-100AH-SIZE-017-019-5-Years-Warranty-/190623053750?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c6204f7b6#ht_2448wt_1039

Hammers are the best way to adjust things lol

Sent from my Galaxy S2 not a Crapple!

Hammers are the best way to adjust things lol

And Gaffer tape the best way to fix things once the initial hammer adjustment went too far

with a good dose of blind eye, and a little- agh itll be fine, just close the bonnet

Nice one lads!!!!! will make sure that when I buy a replacement battery that I have the hammer and gagger tape handy - plus immodium should I get the ****s! lol

Nice one lads!!!!! will make sure that when I buy a replacement battery that I have the hammer and gagger tape handy - plus immodium should I get the ****s! lol

Don't forget cable ties! Cable ties are always good! lol

Sent from my Galaxy S2 not a Crapple!

Don't forget cable ties! Cable ties are always good! lol

Sent from my Galaxy S2 not a Crapple!

I used them when car failed mot on inproperly secured brake pipes, zzzzzzzzzzzziiiiiiiiippppppppp, and pass

What useful information we have on here - others who are not members are missing so much ;-)