Occasionally doesn't want to start!!!

[Gonza]

Evening all,

A few times now, does not matter whether cold or just been stopped then started again, my car doesn't seem to want to start back up. It kicks over fine but will not 'catch on' if you know what I mean....

It has only done this very occasionally, but is very embarassing when you're in the car park. It does eventually start but leaves a lovely smell of about 20pence worth of optimax (sorry...should I say V-power) It is almost like the car is flooding....

I have put some redex through the fuel (I hope I don't get crucified for doing that) recently in an attempt to wash out anything that shouldn't be there, but it done it again the other day..

One thing that does not help is that I start and stop the car some 15 times per day...minimum.

Has anybody had this before on theirs or is it just me??? Its a 98uk.

Cheers all.....

Rich

[Scott.T]

Could be worth giving the Cam and Crank sensors a Clean as they can get a bit dusty. It sounds like you are getting fuel but no spark.

If not that then maybe the coil pack (where all 4 plug leads connect to) or the ignitor which on the back of the bracket mounted to the drivers side strut (thats the bracket where the map sensor and boost control solenoid are)

As it's a 98 you should be able to pull off one of the plug leads, stick a spare plug in it and see if it's sparking.

[ScoobyDuck]

second the crank (usually this one) or cam sensors

[Gonza]

Cheers guys,

Sounds a bit silly but where would I find the crank or cam sensors??

Cheers

[Scott.T]

See http://www.jimclarkeracing.co.uk/scooby/pre-my97/Diagnostics.pdf
Page 6, Items 12 & 13.

Both sensors have a 2 pin electrical plug connected and are held down with a 10mm bolt.