I have a Mk2 petrol Ducato and over the past 3 years have been having starting problems (from cold only), especially if it's wet. We have changed most of the electrical parts (plugs and leads, distributor cap, coil, spark regulator, battery, starter motor and earth wires) and most recently the carburetor and still the problem exists. The timing and compression has also been tested (fine). We've found that putting a fan heater on the engine and running the hot start (I fitted a hot start to heat the engine) helps. When the van does start it runs perfectly and doesn't miss fire at all, as if nothing is wrong! Starting is also intermittent and mostly the van will start without either heaters.

I'd be very greatful if anyone has any sugestions on what the problem might be. Thanks.

Hi
I couldn't remember the exact name so have checked and it was the ignition amplifier (spark regulator) we changed recently. I assume you mean the same thing. On my van it is situated behind the grill on the drivers side and above the coil. Interestingly, this is near where we put the fan heater. Exactly why the heater helps we still haven't worked out.
Thanks for your suggestion.