Thank you for the reply. Battery is almost new & 100%. Aerodeck is a
U.S manufactured Accord estate sold in U.K in 1993/4. (after this the
vehicle was manufactured in U.K) It isn't the starter not engaging
because the engine is definitely cranking, it just isn't fireing.
Timing belt is fine -replaced only 5k ago. Important point here is that
when the problam occures the engine is engaged with the starter and
cranks but the engine initially doesn't fire until several seconds
later when it starts to fire and as the engine continues to crank the
fires get more frequent until eventually the engine starts. After this
it is fine.

Remco wrote:
> You've checked the battery, I take it?
>
> Not sure what a Aerodeck is here in the US, but on most cars when
this
> happens, it often is the starter.
> It has a large relay on top of it that engages the starter to the
> flywheel. If this relay is not doing its job, you'll hear the starter
> turn (actually won't sound at all like a car starting, but more like
an
> electromotor spinning at high speed) but the car won't start.
>
> Often when cars spin a lot faster than normal, the timing belt is
> having issues. I can't imagine that this is your problem, because you
> can start it eventually: Once the timing belt breaks or skips, your
> car's timing would be incorrect and starting would be impossible.
>
> Remco