2.3 NG Starting issues

[Cynical26]

Hello you helpful and knowledgable people

I’m looking for some practical advice before I start randomly unplugging or replacing parts.

My coupe has a tendency to be a reluctant starter 7 times out of 10 these days. If it doesn’t catch on the first turn the second attempt to start will see it turn over for approx 10 seconds before firing up.

Once it’s does start it will either be good to go straight away or will need to sit for 30 seconds until the idle control valve kicks in. Otherwise it will miss and want to cut out when the throttle is opened. This happens from cold and once up to temperature.

Occasionally there is a smell of fuel which accompanies the 10 second startup process.

Once the car has started, and the idle levelled out, the car will run without fault.

The two things I was thinking of are the cold start valve and the warm up regulator. Neither of which are cheap.

I’ll try and get a video up once the car has defrosted. Any help, pointing the right direction, or just comic relief will be appreciated in equal measure

Gee