I'm going to rip the Punto to bits later this week to try to figure out exactly why (a) my 1.1-litre engine's economy has dropped massively, to something like 25mpg and (b) why it's now an absolute cow to start when its damp/freezing. I suspect that both of these are connected; has anyone got any ideas? My guesses so far are:

1. a fuel leak at the fuel-injection end, causing airlocks and hence the crap starting
2. knackered ignition leads (this would only affect the starting though, not much effect on economy)
3. intake air temp sensor (overfuelling)
4. some other broken piece of electronic s***e in the SPi system (I bloody HATE fuel injection, carbs are so much easier to fix!)

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated - I'm getting sick of wasting loads of £ on petrol and spending ages getting the bleeding engine started every morning!

Just be glad you haven't got an MPI!

Have you tried running some injector/valve cleaner through it? Checked for leaks, may be moisture getting into the coil-lead connectors (although I doubt it because you do manage to get it to start).

Perhaps you've done something to offend it, and now it hates you? Perhaps is jelous of the Capri.

how about a blocked airfilter ??? a cheap change.

timing that can cause them symptons i think

ave you checked the battery for the damp starting problems? A squirt of WD40 on the contacts might help as well? Not sure about the economy though

Cheers for your suggestions

The battery and air filter are both OK, the filter is a K&N which has only done 10,000 miles since new and the battery posts are coated in grease. I've run injector cleaner through it every month since I bought the car so wouldn'd have thought grotty injectors would be the problem, particularly as the car runs perfectly once its warmed up (other than its drink problem). I've sprayed WD40 over the ignition lead connector terminals and also over the leads themselves; didn't make any difference unfortunately. But since I've had the car nearly 3 years and never changed the leads I reckon it's due a set anyway.

Timing's a distinct possibility, if it has gone out of adjustment then that would suggest it's skipped a tooth or two on the belt. Hopefully the thing will survive long enough for me to get it home today and have a good look at it! Maybe it IS jealous of the Capri (Italian cars have soul you know ), I'll have to give it a good service and valet to make it feel better!

lousy starting > water in cylinders
bad mpg > leaky cylinders

done a compression test? it is a 1108cc FIRE unit after all

(btw, we managed 27mpg on a 600cc engine, smart car - hehe)

How do, Jonnyboy, see you've acquired a Capri since I saw you last - nice! If the Capri becomes cheaper to run than the Punto, start worrying!

Is it really cold where you are atm? Could go some way to explaining the mpg I suppose, but 25 is pretty horrible, I'll go with the compression test suggestion. It's got very cold here lately and mine's about 5 down, very roughly, I think, over what it was in Exeter. Still about 35 round town though. Something I've noticed is electrics, in the 1.1 at least, = fuel :O