poor starting HSE

P38 4.6 HSE 1997. Have always been able to rely on the old girl starting first turn but just recently seems I have to turn it over for ages before it fires and always wonder if the battery is going to give up - it is less than 2 months old. Not failed to start yet but I just have feeling that it will happen in the most awkward place. Electric or fuel ?? any obvious ideas runs perfect once started. Thanks guys

start with plugs and leads

yes I agree change all the spark plugs, probably all sooted up and not getting a decent enough spark off them. Check HT leads for splits and cracks, if so get them changed. By the sound of things its probably due a bloody good service, that should do the trick.

also check that the battery is getting enough charge,i know the batt is nearly new but i would still have it checked out to be sure.

the charge does from the alternator to the starter and up to the battery check connections on the starter and that the leads havent corroded just a thought

Thanks guys but in true RR style sometimes it does it other times starts first time so trying to work out a scenario is hopeless. Today it has been started about 10 times and would only not fire immediately once.

Billy mine was like that for quite a while and finally packed in on me on Friday on the motorway. Looks like tank fuel pump has been going downhill slowly then gave up the ghost. Have just started replacement.
Don't know whether it's a possibility for you but mine is also 1997 but 2.5 DSE. I am told they have the same tank pump.

Thanks Mate but it floods easily when it does not start immediately so I guess it is not fuel.

Try taking out the idle valve on the plenum (2 x 8mm bolts) and give it a good clean out.

I had the same problem whereas sometimes it would only start if I put my foot on the throttle and then a cloud of black smoke but started after 15 - 20 seconds.

I cleaned the idle valve and the seating with carb cleaner plus the actuator itself and so far it's been fine. Mines a 1997 4.6 by the way

billybuilder said:

Thanks Mate but it floods easily when it does not start immediately so I guess it is not fuel.

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I think you juat answered yer own question there Billy .... ( in yer first post you put "Electrics or Fuel" .... It FLOODS so it aint fuel

Leads, Coil pack .... or Possibly the CPS is mucky /on the way out ....

In fact yeah ... I'd go fer CPS .....(Crank position sensor) .... had one like it on my old XJ8 jag .... Mon start first click tuedsay ..not a sausage .. weds Ok Thurs Ok, Fri not a Sausage

Stuck a new CPS on it .. & ZROOOOMMM!!!! ... off she flew!!!!!

billybuilder said:

Thanks Mate but it floods easily when it does not start immediately so I guess it is not fuel.

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OK : that rules that one right out. Good luck with it.