Club 80-90 Forums

Just recently with the colder weather my van is struggling to start over the last few days!

I've pulled the cold start lever out which doesnt seem to make any difference to it starting. This morning it only started after jump leading the battery as the numerous ignition turns were draining the battery. Like the last 3 days when it did finally kick into life plumes of grey smoke pile out before dying out.
The van then runs fine on its journey and no further problems.

Any ideas would be appreciated? I'm new to all this so be gentle with me too!

Hi Sky,

I've been dealing with similar problems on my 1.7 na Diesel engine, grab a multimeter and check a few things as shown on the this link;
http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/GlowPlug.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I started testing the temp sensor, then replaced the glow plugs and now a new battery and it seems to have resolved most of the issues.

Best thing to do is get a good multimeter and check things!

I've had a few issues recently too and had one of my glow plugs out for testing. It was dead so am buying a set tomorrow (well today actually). It's fiddly, but worth doing (well I'm assuming so, I'll tell you tomorrow!)

Makes it easier if you've got an injector socket to temporarily pull them out - gives you more room (as I found today)

Thanks for your replies chaps!

I'm having to take into my local garage today as Ive got a leak from my fuel tank when its full so will see what they say about the starting issue which is more immediate now! I'm off touring the Scottish Highlands in 3 weeks and it'll be certainly damp & cold up there at that time of year and a lonnng way from any garage!