[Engine] Random starting/running fault.

[TopBananaRacing]

1.9 2002.

I need help, my vehicle, yes it’s a crap one but it’s only done 80,000 miles, it’s perfect to go to builders yard and cart dogs around, also down here in SW France it’d cost £3000 to replace it (Prices are ridiculous) and I’ve done cambelt and clutch last year, the fecker owes me.
Starting / running issue.
Most days no issue runs and drives like a dream, then randomly, you get no heater plugs, no rev counter and no temp gauge with cranking but no start. 
Will go on a squirt of sniff but injection timing is mega retarded and sounds like an Old Ford York.
Once warm it’s the same issue but of course it doesn’t need sniff again, 9 times out of 10 it’s fine.
You know when it’s wrong as there’s no clicking when you 1st turn the key (like an old SU pump making pressure) no clicks, no go.
When it is running rough, the heater plug light may flash on and all is cured again. 
Parts cannon has been fired………
So far
Heater plug control unit
Heater plugs
Fuel filter housing, pump and LP pipes.
Lucas injection pump complete
Complete ECU 
Control box under dash
It shows no codes ever and being old as f**k there’s little else coming out of OBD.
If it was a bike or a mower, I’d be all over it but this is not my sphere. Local mechanic has had it for six weeks, changed all of the above and still the same, Citroen Main Stealer told me to “va te faire foutre”

I realise many of you won’t know what a Ford York or SU pump is but I’m an old t**t so it’s the best I can do.

[evdama]

Poured gallons of oil into su dashpots back in the day.
Main dealer here has similar attitude and is only interested in ripping you off with newer vehicles.
To be honest french electrics were not really designed to outlive the car- is this issue a real problem or just an irritation that you could tolerate until the other stuff begins to go.
The "retarded ignition"might be something else- a really worn out cambelt thats allowing the valve timing to vary perhaps.

[brodfather11]

Does your van have the engine with the wax pellet under the thermostat that altered the timing when cold then as it heated up set the timing to the run position? IRC it operated with a wire cable that went to the injection pump. They used to give trouble..

Or am I thinking of some other engine?