Starting Issues!

Hi Sometimes when starting from cold, the car starts on what sounds like 3 cylinders. After a quick rev to 2k revs, all 4 kick in and its fine. Sometimes starting from hot can be the same, today, it wouldnt fire at all initially (sounded like the engine was turning over too quick if that makes sense) but after leaving it a few seconds and trying again, it started but sounded like only 2 of the 4 cylinders were working on startup, but again, a quick rev and it was fine. Its not been serviced in around 8k miles, but its done it on and off pretty much since ive owned it. Anyone have any idea what might be the issue? PS - its a good job it did start, as i was on my way to an interview :D lol

Have you checked the sparkplugs? Leads? Try working out which cylinders its firing on (by feeling the exhaust manifold careully!?). The swap the plug and lead from that cylinder to another cylinder, although dont mix them up!! Could it be something like a leak on the inlet manifold gasket on the 'faulty cylinder'? Im no expert :P But I think thats the first thing id be checking... Steve

If your spark plugs have the screw type nipples on them, make sure they are tight. Particularly number 4.

Thanks :) I'll try the suggestions!