No, it’s not a common issue. Aside from changing the plugs, have you checked the fuel pressure? What is your warm idle rpm?? Do you have this issue when the engine is still cold, before warm up?? Is your check engine light on? Do you have any codes?? Is this a new to you vehicle, or did it run properly at any time?? Maybe give more info.

 

Warm idle rpm is about 700. The check engine light is off. I haven't had the codes checked, or the fuel pressure. The engine runs fine. Acceleration is good. I'd have thought that, if the fuel pressure was low, it would affect the performance. I've had the car for four years. It's always been like this.

 

Is the engine ‘reluctant to start’ if you spray starter fluid into the intake?

 

I sprayed a starter spray into the air intake, as you suggest. I followed the instructions on the can. It took quite a few turns before it started, worse than before.
As for the other suggestions, I'll have my local garage look into it. Idle speed is actually only about 600rpm as indicated on the rev counter. Of course, this may not be accurate. The idle speed should be 800rpm I believe.
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

I haven't tried that. My wife leaves about 7am. I can hear the engine turning on the starter. It takes a good few seconds before it fires. To be honest, I'm still in bed. Even so, it isn't very practicable to spray starter fluid into it every time we start it. That wouldn't avoid the stall issue. The engine runs smoothly, so it isn't likely to be an issue with one cylinder, either.

 

Even so, it isn't very practicable to spray starter fluid into it every time we start it.

The suggestion wasn't meant as a solution, but rather, as a diagnostic step - if it starts easily on starter fluid then the problem is likely to be on the fuel side of things rather than the ignition.

You need to remember, you came here seeking our assistance to resolve a problem you're experiencing - all I'm seeing from you is pushback on every suggestion - you need to get out there, conduct the tests requested and get back to us with answers. Let's say, just for the sake of discussion, there is a fuel pressure issue (which you don't think there is), and the fuel pressure bleeds down overnight (which will be revealed when/if a fuel pressure test is properly done), then it will take several seconds of cranking to build enough pressure to start & run the engine, and there WILL be enough pressure for the performance not to be affected.

Problem diagnosis is going to be a series of steps, some will bear fruit, some will not, but even those that don't provide data that can be used to eliminate a possible cause from the list.

 

You're right. I'll try some starter fluid first and see how it goes.

 

Maybe worth cleaning throttle body + adaptation.
I would also check / adjust valves' clearance if mileage high.

 

I'll have to get my local garage to look at that. Thanks.

 

Trying this might be easier for you than the starter fluid: Try starting your engine with the throttle pedal depressed to the floor. This will stop fuel delivery, and normally your engine should not start this way. But see if it does. Then try starting your car with the throttle pedal only halfway depressed or less. This adds additional air to start up. See if the engine starts easier like this.

 

It has keyless start, so I'm supposed to fully depress the clutch and press the brake. I only press the clutch, normally, so I could still press the throttle. It's worth a try. I have a third party warranty, so if I need a diagnostic, I might see what the warranty company says.