Starting issues

[tommin]

Just to touch base on some starting issues i am experiencing. It seems i have to use either a starter booster, or run the engine heating system for around half hour to an hour before the engine starts as per normal? Any ideas on what may be my problem(s)? I get good lights on the dash, have tried pre-heat on the key, off and on 3, 4 even 5 times before trying to start, no joy! Battery is fairly new, 60amp as recommended. One question i have seeing as it will start with a battery booster. Can i upgrade the battery to say an 80amp, would it make any difference would it do any harm? Advice and guidance appreciated.

[tommin]

Mmm went out and bought a new 75Amp battery, turns over better, but still not starting even with cold start on. It was +2C yesterday, -6C at night, guess the old girl really don't like cold weather. The confusing part is, she will start with a booster attached?
Could it be low compression issues? with half million plus km on clock, i suppose there must be some piston ring wear. We are told we will get warmer weather next week on, above 10 during the day, so will see how it goes then.

[dave friday]

Duff Glow plugs and or the 12volt supply to them.

[fergie1]

i would also say check 12v supply to glow plugs..just had same issue on my 1982 1.6cs diesel and it was the relay..changed it to 40amp and all is good

[tommin]

Yeah have a feeling it is one or the other, been laid up for a while with old back problems, will get round to it as soon as i can, update will follow, thanks for the pointers

[kevtherev]

Are we talking about a lazy starter or a starter motor that struggles to turn the engine?

[tommin]

Lazy starter unfortunately, when warm not a problem, but a touch of frost and it's a non starter. Am pretty sure it is the glow plugs, but as soon as i can, i will check out that relay first (easier to take out ).
Hopefully once the temperature rises, they will not be such an issue, time will tell

[AdrianC]

Lazy starter unfortunately, when warm not a problem, but a touch of frost and it's a non starter.

But does it spin at normal speed, or slowly?

[fergie1]

make sure you got a good earth to starter though...
like i said it sounds like the cold start..if it helps when you get round to it get in touch and i will send you some pics of how i done mine

[tommin]

Turns over no problem, and have on one occasion managed to get her started. All earth straps were either cleaned or replaced, including a new one from the new starter motor to the gearbox as recommended. I have an inbuilt engine heater due to our cold climate, and after about half an hour it starts first turn of the key, no problem. I will check as stated that relay and glow plugs, just need to get back on my feet first

[tommin]

Okay did some testing. and am pretty sure now it must be the plugs themselves. I took a looksee at relay which turns out to be a 70amp one, not sure if that is okay, but it works. Busbar is fine, getting power there, over 12v on the meter, plus inside lights dimmer when glow plugs are charging, then brightening after. So am left with just those pesky glow plugs! No i need to source some new ones

Fergie1 I am interested in your cold start theory, if you could post thos pics