Hard to start in the morning and 98 Fuel

[Giulietta lover]

Hi all,
I am new here and have recently purchased my second Giulietta, a 2016 manual petrol. It has only done 35,000 kms and started well in the first few months. However, in the last few weeks it suddenly was almost impossible to start in the mornings, 'chugging', backfiring and idling terribly for the first few minutes. This does not occur in the day, and it runs like a dream! I have had it serviced (though it wasn't due), new spark plugs, and the mechanic (a specialised Alfa mechanic) could not find anything that would cause this. Finally, we went to Barbagallo's in Perth and asked there if they had any idea. One asked if we had put 98 fuel in the car. My partner used 98 the last time it was filled up. It was suggested that this may be the cause, and only 95 fuel should be used (I have only ever filled with 95). I will try again in the morning now we have topped up with 95. Has anyone else heard of this?
Thanks all!

[bazzbazz]

Is the car perchance still on the original battery?

If the battery has been replaced, has it been replaced with the CORRECT AGM battery?

[Craig_m67]

I have used 98 religiously in mine for over 50K km... it's not the fuel (unless a bad batch)

[Juicymango]

Occasionally, once a month,  I get what sounds like a rough-ish idle in the morning in my 2013 QV but nothing to be concerned about & I alternate between 98 & 95 fuel. 

[John Hanslow]

I have used 98 religiously in mine for over 50K km... it's not the fuel (unless a bad batch)

Always used 98 on all my cars.   Never had an issue with fuel as always purchase from BP, Shell or Caltex.

JH

[Malcolm]

Hi all, Won't be 98 fuel, have used Shell or Caltex 98 in both our GT's, one a 2009 V6 the other I race a 2005 GT 4cyl JTS Selespeed no issues. Have also used in both GT's Liberty 100 octane (98 + 5% ethanol). Always use 100 octane when racing the 4cyl GT. Both GT's weren't retuned either, just fill em up and go.