intermittent starting problem /-:

[Braincrank]

Hello all,
Since about a week ago my car doesn't want to start as smooth as she used to.
Sometimes she starts first thing and sometimes it takes a few minutes.
I had a similar problem about a year ago and it turned out that a rubber connection from a vacuum pipe was corroded and after fixing it all was fine.
In the last 6 months I put new leads, distributer cap and arm and coil in and also changed the plugs last week when the problem started.
I noticed that the hose that runs from the air filter to the cylinder head is broken and taped it while I'm waiting for the new one to arrive.
I also noticed that the rubber connection for the vacuum pipe ( see picture) is fairly loose.




My question is , how tight must that rubber connection be and since I ordered a new one, is it just a matter of pulling it out and pushing the new one in?
Also, for years she has been ideling with little hickups every now and again. Could that also be due to some vacuum related issue?

 

[Braincrank]

Well I managed to get the new rubber connector on ok but the car is still fooling around when trying to start /-:
I put in a new fuel pump and also changed the return flow valve at the same time, some 5 or 6 years back. What's the lifespan of these parts ?
Also, I noticed a while back a distinct smell of fuel around the rear door / rear axle area and can't seem to find the cause ....
A mate plugged the car into his diagnostic computer a couple of days ago but it didn't come up with any error codes /-:
I'm a bit lost now so any tips or suggestions are very welcome !

 

[Braincrank]

Well, the starting problem and smell of petrol turned out to be related and coursed by a hairline crack at the rear end connection of the fuel filter....
I have no idea how that can happen, especially because the pump and filter sit behind a cover. Must have been a cheap / no name / after market filter .
At least it's sorted and the car starts at the first turn of the key again . Another bonus is that fuel consumption is much better again too