As title, my fabia is a 2003 1.4 16v (bbz engine i believe) with 58k on the clocks. On a morning it seems to start fine, but when i try and start it when i finish work 11 hours later, most the time it takes 4 or 5 attempts to start.

The engine turns over but doesnt fire, its like the spark isnt there, as when it does start up theres a puff of white smoke stinking of petrol.

When it does try and start it sits at like 500 rpm only just ticking trying not to die, then it will burst into life to normal idle and drive fine.

Ive tried it with a different set of coils and its just the same. It had new spark plugs, oil and filter about 7 month ago, maybee 500 mile at a push.

Has anybody any ideas what problems to look for before i decide to get it in a garage or scrap it due to costs.

Cheers!

Check the vacuum pipes for air leaks, mainly splits where the servo pipework is joined.

Unmetered air is the most common cause.