1.6 na diesel starting problems

Post by **kit** » 14 Aug 2008, 17:56

I have an intermittent starting problem, I turn the key once the glow plug light goes out and the engine fires up instantly but then dies after one firing if I am lucky I can catch it by hitting the accelerator and everything is ok but if I don't it needs a lot of turns of the starter and it fires up a bit at a time (like old diesel busses used to) once started it runs fine, can anyone please suggest anything other than the following?

Replaced fuel filter twice.
Replaced glow plugs.
Replaced glow plug relay.
Tightened all fuel lines to pump,
Checked pipes from pump to injectors.
Renewed lead to cut out solenoid.

It started playing up after I had put 2 tanks full of bio diesel from Morrisons hence the changing of the filters, but I now think it is a coincidence.

I think it might be time to fit that 1y I have sat in the garage.

Post by **Mocki** » 14 Aug 2008, 19:05

have you drained the bottom of the filter housing off???

Post by **kit** » 14 Aug 2008, 19:11

Several times

thanks, I have fitted an inline filter and that is always full of fuel as well, the symptoms are similar to glow plug problems except for the instant firing.

Although once when I drained the filter I thought I heard air

Post by **Krisis** » 14 Aug 2008, 21:04

Have a look at the injectors and then the pump.
Make sure that all is as it should be, if in doubt take it to an injection specialist and ask them to check it over.
Hopefully you wont have to pay the HUGE amount as I did for the pump to be overhaul.
Good luck Kris

Post by **kit** » 15 Aug 2008, 17:26

Anyone else?

Post by **Other-Power** » 15 Aug 2008, 18:04

Its fuel,

get injectors checked,

if there ok, then the pump.

thats it!

Post by **Plasticman** » 15 Aug 2008, 20:27

Sounds like mine was, It would fire up instantly and gradually deteriorated to like yours, in my case I was running with only 1 glow plug working, cured that and a bit later like months later I experienced simmilar things,

In my case it seemed to be fuel leaking back from the pump so to speak caused by a bad fitting drawing a little air.

Fitted a rubber priming pump from a pugot between the pump and fuel filter, not so much to prime but because they have a check valve incorporated so no more probs, overkill but I happened to have it lying around.

As others have said ,dont throw money at parts, find the cause.

If you have been out in it and park for 5 10 minutes does it start ok?
Mike

Post by **kit** » 15 Aug 2008, 21:05

After the initial morning start it runs and starts perfectly, I am going to get the voltage to the plugs checked tomorrow.

Post by **ringo** » 15 Aug 2008, 22:38

Sounds like a similar problem i had - air leak in the system meant that fuel fell back down to the filter. I never really found the exact cause, but i changed the fuel pipes in the engine bay and fitted a diesel filter that didnt have the return section (they are prone to breaking and causing these symptoms according to my local diesel specialist).

Hope you get it sorted - it drove me mad!

Ringo

Post by **airhead** » 16 Aug 2008, 12:31

Whens the last time you got the valves adjusted? And the pump timing? OK the problem is likely to be injectors, but I can't tell you how much difference adjusting the valves made to my syncro. It was like a new engine. Could be worth a crack in the process of elimination.

Post by **Plasticman** » 16 Aug 2008, 23:21

So it starts up again when hot. That helps to illiminatre some things, as others have said it looks to fuel or heater plugs, I know you say you fitted new plugs, I fitted a set of Bosch ones and within a thousand miles 2 packed up! I know its a hassle but appart from time(£free) I would whip them out and check them as the initial firing is so reminiscent of only one or two plugs working.
Mike

Post by **kit** » 17 Aug 2008, 09:07

Thanks for the response, Ok I got another set of plugs checked the voltage and there was power going in to them, I also changed the inline see through type filter that I had fitted, tightened up all the clips and when I started initially the glow plug light stayed on for a long ish time, I watched as the inline filter filled up and it filled completely with no air in it at all where as all the others I have had only half fill, so I wonder if there was an air leak?

Started first time this morning no hesitation so I think it might be cured

Does anyone know where I could get a non return valve as I might fit one inline just to be sure.