1.7D difficult to start after a few days unused

[AdrianC]

Odd one, this. Ginny, the 1.7D KY that's been left with us for the interim has been starting just fine, even after months of disuse. Since the weather turned colder, though, she's been very very reluctant to start after more than 2-3 days unused. More recent than that, no problem - even if just fired up very briefly then switched off. You can churn her until the cows come home, and maybe she'll fire before the battery goes flat... Whilst she's spinning, she chuffs and coughs, and there's puffs of smoke from the exhaust. The area behind stinks of diesel afterwards, even if it didn't start.

Basics checked... The glow relay definitely clicks with the dash light, and there's +12v at the plugs. I've been giving it a couple of bursts of glow before trying, and several more whilst trying. There's a somewhat home-brew looking "cold start handle" on the dash. That's pulled out. Even if used the previous day, it won't cold-start with that in, but fires instantly with it out.

I know somewhere in the region of zip about the care and tickling of wheezels - never actually owned anything oilburning in my life...

[Jimscerb]

Hi
I'm also having diesel smoke on start up
With coughs and splutters but with a bit of throttle
It goes
I'm thinking iv got a lazy / duff glow plug

[AdrianC]

I'm also having diesel smoke on start up
With coughs and splutters but with a bit of throttle
It goes

I've tried no throttle. I've tried full throttle. I've tried half throttle. I've tried a snidge of throttle. I've tried pumping the throttle...

I'm thinking iv got a lazy / duff glow plug

Forgot to say - as soon as it does catch, it does so on all four.

[kit]

My usual reply but it worked wonders for me is fit a non return valve between the filter and pump.

[AdrianC]

My usual reply but it worked wonders for me is fit a non return valve between the filter and pump.

I have been wondering if it's somehow running back down the lines.

[jamesc76]

New glow plugs make a massive difference, that an a new one way valve in the fuel line

[AdrianC]

New glow plugs make a massive difference

If it's "just" been a couple of days, it'll start <clicks fingers> like that. Suggests the glows are good?

that an a new one way valve in the fuel line

I think I'm going to try that first. Is there one in there already? If so, I'll just replace that, rather than add a second. I'll have a look.

[ninja.turtle007]

that an a new one way valve in the fuel line

I think I'm going to try that first. Is there one in there already? If so, I'll just replace that, rather than add a second. I'll have a look.

You could always clamp the hose as soon as you switch off to see if it is that. Save buying a one way valve if it doesn't make a difference.

[kit]

For what they cost you just as well fit one, loads of people have said it made a difference.

[jamiehamy]

You say it's with you - have it been filled with diesel since you got it? Could be veg oil in their clogging up the lines? It'll be worse when colder as it thickens.

[AdrianC]

You say it's with you - have it been filled with diesel since you got it? Could be veg oil in their clogging up the lines? It'll be worse when colder as it thickens.

Yep, it's on "real" diesel, put in just before New Year - about 1/4 tank in it now.

[DokaDave]

Hi have you burnt our the 50 amp fuse which supplies the Glow Plug Relay??
I have just had the same problem on my AAZ. I thought was doing the right thing and warming twice but in fact I was just overloading the fuse and it blew.
I had the same symptoms would not start and then would run and start all day no problem.
On further investigation all appeared ok glow light lit and timed out after the nominal time. Loads of white smoke when turning over eventually when warming the engine this way it would eventually start.

The fuses are very crude and have no sort of characteristic. It is or it isn't!! I clipped mine at the 50amp supply fuse with an Ammeter and could clearly see them drawing 66 to 70Amp. All the info I could find indicates they should be 12amp per glow plug or 48amp for 4. I am drawing 70 amp for 4 which is 17.5amps per plug. I have not yet checked each individual glow plug to ascertain if it is equally shared, but I will later this week when I get time. If it is equally shared I will fit a 60 amp fuse. I have no problem fitting 60amp fuse as the wiring looks to be 6mm so is is rated to carry continuous load at 60 amps so for the short duration of 8 seconds or so which the glow plugs are switched is ok only thing which I cannot find is what the relay contact is rated at.

Hope this helps fleabay link below
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200654974947? ... 1439.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

DD

[AdrianC]

Hi have you burnt our the 50 amp fuse which supplies the Glow Plug Relay??

+12v at glows, relay clicks.

[Oldiebut goodie]

[DokaDave]

Just because you have volts does not always necessarily mean you have current, do the maths.