AFN hard to start

[mike1978]

Hi,

Normally my AFN engine starts literally on the turn of the key - turns over about once on the starter maybe.

I noticed yesterday that it took a couple of turns of the starter to kick - didn`t think much of it, but this morning it really struggled to start.

Glow plug light came on for about 4 seconds (always been about that), turned the engine over and it turned over for 3-4 seconds before kind of catching, but not quite. Turned ignition off then back on, waited for glow plug to go out after 4 seconds - again turned over for 3-4 seconds, then just it just caught and started properly - vroom and idled nicely straight away and no probs with driving after.

Still realtively new to diesels and the fueling/glow plug setup and identifying the symptons. I`d have thought if it was the glow plugs, it would`ve taken longer for them to become faulty - not over a couple of days?

i just checked fault codes when i got to with some old scanner i had in the back of the van just a 01117 (generator signal) which is always there and the 17978 (imobilser) - i think this is leftover from a few weeks back when an imobiliser wire was broken and the code hasn`t cleared.

Any help is appreciated! Thanks, Mike

[lloydy]

I'd start by checked the clear fuel lines to the pump. Is the fuel draining out of them overnight? If so you need to check and replace your fuel lines as you'll have a air leak somewhere allowing the fuel to drain back to the tank.
If that checks out ok next I would check the timing. Check mechanical Timing 1st then Move on to pump timing which you check by plugging the engine into VCDS. Retarded timing will make the engine hard to start in cold weather.
These engines tend to start pretty easy in all weathers, I never wait for the glow plug light. Just jump in and start engine and it's pretty instant.

[mike1978]

Hi, Thanks for the reply. I just nipped out to the van at lunch to take a look - popped the engine hatch and i think i found the problem!

The feed fuel hose to the pump had fallen on to the top of the alternator pulley which was slowly wearing a hole in it (well, it had worn a hole, hence the problem)

It was my own fault for not getting round to shortening the hose and removing the fuel pump primer - that`ll learn me! Mind you, it`d been quite happy for the 4000 miles there, but looks alot neater now its routed correctly and no primer on display

Good thing i had my tools in the van!