Starting woes...

Post by **sternal** » 08 Nov 2014, 13:44

Having not used the van properly since the end of August I have noticed that its being a bit of a bugger to start...

Its not the battery as its new from August and the alternator is fine.

Here's the synopsis

Before not using it always started 1st time now it takes 2 to 3 times to kick into life rest of the day fine to start

Glowplug light goes out after a few seconds - all normal

Went out to the wilds of Hertfordshire over night with my two boys and this morning it was a real pain to start took 3 attempts, now home fine to start.

Once home this morning I had my son (7 yrs old) start the van up whilst I was at the engine bay and the starter motor has a slight whirring after noise once its started the engine up. (not sure if that's normal as I don't normally have my ear in the engine bay )

I obviously cant do a cold start till tomorrow

So any tips/ advice ?

Is it worth pumping the accelerator pedal a few times before starting (not something Ive done on a diesel before) ?

Spray wd40 where ????

I did have to wash the engine bay in at the end of August due to exploding battery (I'm sure you can find my post!)

Many thanks in advance

Ps it was freezing overnight but we were toasty and warm not a peak from my 7 and 5 year old !

Post by **Oldiebut goodie** » 08 Nov 2014, 14:09

Are you using the cold start - you don't mention that. Temperatures have dropped considerably recently.

Post by **sternal** » 08 Nov 2014, 14:31

I haven't been sir

I didn't need to last winter even when in minus figures.

Shall try tomorrow and see what happens

Post by **AdrianC** » 08 Nov 2014, 14:40

When it does start, does it start on all four, or is it all lumpy-grumpy for a second or three, then fire up?

Post by **lloydy** » 08 Nov 2014, 14:42

If you still have the clear fuel lines check if the fuel has drained out of them

Post by **sternal** » 08 Nov 2014, 14:48

Re: Starting woes...
New postby AdrianC » 5 minutes ago
When it does start, does it start on all four, or is it all lumpy-grumpy for a second or three, then fire up?
A year and a half living in a Westy hightop... http://www.WhereverTheRoadGoes.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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More this ^^^^ sorry on my phone so copy and pasting is not great !

Post by **sternal** » 08 Nov 2014, 14:49

But once started the rest of the day is fine and starts normally not lumpy etc

Post by **AdrianC** » 08 Nov 2014, 15:15

Sounds like you might have a glow plug or three not playing, then. The 1.7D we're looking after would not start AT ALL - all four plugs were dead. I disconnected the two under the pump (the link bar had already been butchered) and replaced the two I could get at - it now starts fairly quickly and easily with the cold-start pulled, even after months of non-use, but initially idles like I feel before my first cuppa. Then another pot comes in, then the fourth.

Post by **sternal** » 08 Nov 2014, 16:39

Look like I need to do a process of elimination

I will try the cold start in the morning and see how that goes.

And if its the glowplugs is that a big job on 1.6 engine ?

I didn't think its the starter motor...and it seems nor do you guys.

Re: Starting woes...

Post by lloydy » Today, 14:42
If you still have the clear fuel lines check if the fuel has drained out of them

I still have clear fuel lines and I can see fuel in them.

Could lack of use caused this problem or its a case it would have happened even if I was using the van ?

Just had a look at GSF 4 NGK Glowplugs with 25%

Subtotal (Incl. Tax) £44.16
Discount -£11.04
GRAND TOTAL (Inc Tax) £33.12

Anyways lets see what the morning brings !

Post by **AdrianC** » 08 Nov 2014, 17:25

sternal wrote:I didn't think its the starter motor...and it seems nor do you guys.

If it's spinning over quickly, it's not the starter motor. It has precisely one job to do...

Post by **sternal** » 08 Nov 2014, 18:11

If it's spinning over quickly, it's not the starter motor. It has precisely one job to do...

which its clearly doing

Post by **Ralf85** » 08 Nov 2014, 22:46

sternal wrote: And if its the glowplugs is that a big job on 1.6 engine ?

The answer is on the wiki.

Post by **JonB** » 08 Nov 2014, 22:55

Use 'wow30' as the promo code...

Subtotal (Incl. Tax) £44.16
Discount -£13.25
GRAND TOTAL (Inc Tax) £30.91

Post by **sternal** » 09 Nov 2014, 11:18

messed the start up, up this morning and forgot to do the cold start pump !

Will also record what it sounds like and hopefully that will help !

The answer is on the wiki.

Thanks looks like its off to Mr mechanic if they need changing !

Post by **sternal** » 09 Nov 2014, 20:53

I started it again this eve with the cold pump out it didn't make much if any difference to the starting also no blipping on the pedal !

I recorded it, its not great so I will prop make another recording at some point in the week

http://vid1354.photobucket.com/albums/q ... 9463e6.mp4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for all your help