Struggles to start, turns over then stalls straight away - 2nd attempt starts and runs fine

[Naseem]

2001 2L Petrol

So as the title suggests, it struggles to turn over, then eventually does and stalls straight away, feels very rough. I try again and it turns over fine and runs fine.

This only happens in the mornings, not during the day, so when it's been sat around all night.

I've bought it at 81K, done about 30K on it, only ever changed oil, oil filter, air filter, pollen filter and a few other bits and pieces that have needed going (brakes, shocks etc).

Would I be right in thinking that it could be the spark plugs?

Thanks

Nas

[zollaf]

yes, change the spark plugs.. fuel filter wouldnt go amiss either, and a timing belt. whether these are the problem i dont know, but they need doing anyway, especially the timing belt if you dont know when it was last done.

[Naseem]

Hi, thanks for replying.

Timing belt was done at 60K in 2010, I bought it at about a year and half ago at 81K, and it has 109K on it now.

I've been doing mostly motorway miles (98%), but I'll be starting a new job next month much close to home so will probably only be doing about 2-5K a year now!

[zollaf]

timing belt is overdue , down to the time.

[Naseem]

Right so not so much due the mileage, but the age of the belt right?

I'll get it booked as soon as I can. It looks fairly easy to change the spark plugs myself, I just need to check I've got a deep enough socket for the plugs.

[zollaf]

indeed, age as well .. yes, plugs are easy to do with the right tools, just dont overtighten them.