Astra g /mk4 intermittent starting problem, help

movingforward2010

I've got a problem with my Astra G 1.8 16v sri (123bhp version) 2001 year, 43k on the clock.

Last week the car developed an starting problem. The thing is it can stand for 2 days and starts first time with no issues, it doesnt seem to matter if I've driven down the road, or left it over night, its very random.

when it decides no to start it struggles and i have to keep the key turned for ages to get it going.

There are no warning lights on the dash; once it starts it goes great - no staling/misfiring/loss of power etc.

The battery was replaced 5 months ago, so its brand new. The only thing Ive done is replace the panel filter with a k&n panel filter , the problem seems to of started since I've done this.

Its driving me mad, does anyone have any ideas what might be the cause?

mikey72

Try
http://www.astraownersclub.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=133
and
http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=5
They're usually good.

kitchpoo

Just to check - its not a warm starting problem? (Former Astra G 1.8 owner and mod on AOC)

movingforward2010

kitchpoo wrote: »

Just to check - its not a warm starting problem? (Former Astra G 1.8 owner and mod on AOC)

no does'nt seem to make a difference, doesnt do it all the time, can be hot or cold.

kitchpoo

hmm - tough one, my suspicion is fuel delivery, I was hoping it may have been fuel evaporation on warm start, but I'm not sure now, but fuel delivery / fuel pump may be the cause still - could just be a blocked filter.

movingforward2010

kitchpoo wrote: »

hmm - tough one, my suspicion is fuel delivery, I was hoping it may have been fuel evaporation on warm start, but I'm not sure now, but fuel delivery / fuel pump may be the cause still - could just be a blocked filter.

just seems strange that it doesnt do it all the time, ive done the '2 pedal test' and no faults have come up

kitchpoo

I'm thinking the fuel pump is either struggling with max flow required, or that the filter is not priming properly. Still - a multitude of options - Have you carb cleaned the air intake manifold - sometimes the butterfly gets stuck.

kitchpoo

How far did you get to resolving this?

loracan1

I had a problem with my mondeo a couple of years ago - would start first time intermittently, but other times would take a few goes. This lasted for several months getting worse - turned out to be the starter motor.