car starting problems

[martyn32cook]

my ford escort1996 really struggles to start, i have to pump accelerator to get it to start, its always turns over and can always hear fuel pump working, what else could it be?

[Waggers]

from your post it sounds like the starter motor and fuel pump are both okay. Does it run okay once started? I was thinking either a fueling problem (partially blocked lines/injector) or a spark problem. Has it had a good service recently? A fueling blockage or spark problem would probably result in poor running as well. Might be worth putting a new air filter in and changing the plugs for the sake of a few quid. That's all I can think of at the moment

[ianess]

You shouldn't need to touch the throttle at all. Depress the clutch while turning the ignition key and it should start up right away. Have you checked your spark plugs and leads recently because they can contribute to your problem too?

[stanleyman]

I'm assuming this is starting from cold so it's a cold start problem with a choke or fuel injection cold start system not working or condensation in the distributor or it needs new plugs.