On my punto HGT (54 reg) i have started to noticed that on cold mornings and nights it is taking longer to start. Where as in normal temperatures i do not get any problems and starts up right away. Does nay body know why and how to put this right?
Also when it starts up most times it sounds like a diesel for a few secs but I have put this down to the veriator, and is on its way out. So i plan to get this changed at the next service.
I am also having problems with my washer jets, they are no producing any spay both front and back, i have checked the nozzles for blockages. I also hear the pump noise when i pull the stick, and when i check under the car i see that washer fluid is been pumped. So the pump most be working OK. Anybody have any ideas how best to check or how to get best access to the pipes.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers

How is the oil level and quality?

Washer problem, check the Y piece with NRV. Several posts on this today.

Cheers

SPD

Had washer trouble with a Volvo 440 and their rear washer pipe runs under the head lining! I cobbled up some bits of pipe and blew back from the nozzle using a foot pump. That did it. You must be very careful not to let even the tiniest foreign bodies get in the system when topping up. I used to keep a plastic bottle with top for this task only. Even dust and tiny hairs can result in a blockage.

Brickdust said:

Had washer trouble with a Volvo 440 and their rear washer pipe runs under the head lining! I cobbled up some bits of pipe and blew back from the nozzle using a foot pump. That did it. You must be very careful not to let even the tiniest foreign bodies get in the system when topping up. I used to keep a plastic bottle with top for this task only. Even dust and tiny hairs can result in a blockage.

Click to expand...

Slightly random.

Cheers

SPD

Sorry its not random. It sounds to me like a clever idea for blowing out the washer hose lines especially if you dont have a handy pocket air compressor.

More importantly - the engine - when was the cam belt done?

The HGT revs to 7000 and has strong double valve springs so the cam belt take a beating. Leave it longer than 40,000 or 4 years and you are on borrowed time.

If you dont know the belt service date/mileage - ASSUME ITS DUE NOW.

The belts lose teeth, so (if you are lucky) you end up with 6 or 8 bent exhaust valves at £17 each plus gasket set at £100 and head bolts at £50 and consumables. Access it tight so labour wont be cheap. Inlet valves are £20 each

Cam belt fitted with a new variator will be under £500 (but not much under). A bust cam belt will add at least that on top. The head is fiddly to work on.

If you want an idea of the cam belt condition look at the accessory belt ribbed surface. If its cracking its on the way out. They usually get changed along with the cam belt so you can bet its also about to shed some teeth.

Thanks for the advice, I will try the advice with the window washer. But it looks like the Y value may have gone from what i read about these problems.

As for the engine i got the cam belt changed when i picked up he car, it has done 40K miles, but the car is now nearly 6 years old so i felt it best to get this done. I have read in other places that cold starts could be down to the battery?

Thanks again.

Mine starts fine, though the alarm lamp on the dash somtimes takes a while to go out. I find its best to put in the key and turn to position 1 while I put on the seatbelt, then when I start it, the alarm/immob lamp goes out immediately.

There's a good chance its the original battery so it might well be on the way out. To prove it, put on a trickle charger overnight and see if it starts better.