Occasional starting problems

[Randomjim]

Back in febuary i had my temperature sender unit replaced as i had a problem starting my car after work one night. This seemed to cure the problem untill this morning. At the time when i was trying to get it started i noticed a small amount of oil in with the first spark plug. Could this be the problem?

Would it be the cam cover gasket that needs changing?

 

[Broken Byzan]

That gasket will be the cause of the oil, not 100% it will have caused your starting problem tho

 

[aragorn]

whats the nature of the non-start

does it crank endlessly without catching?
does it cough or almost catch but not quite?
does it start then cut out instantly?

Does it fix itself if you leave it a bit?

 

[Randomjim]

It cranked endlessly but didn't catch. To get it started i pushed the accelerator to the floor then turned the key which worked first time.