Problem starting my t25 1.6td when cold

[Gozz82]

Hi guys I need help with my t25 camper 1.6td 1990 about ten days ago I went to it and it took about 2/3mins to get it started up until then it started first time every time hot or cold but now when it's cold it takes 2/3mins of turning it over to get it running but when it's running it runs fine and when it's hot it starts first time every time iv tried a few things and I'm at the end of my knowledge now iv changed the glow plugs the glow plug relay tested the cold start sensor and there is only a couple of air bubbles in the fuel line when revved up I'm going to change the fuel filter this week but does any one have any suggestions cheers Gozz

[ghoney]

Hey Gozz, I had the same problems a while back, and replacing the fuel filter cured it. The filter has a non-return valve in it, that prevents the fuel slowly draining back to the tank when you haven't used the van for a few days. The valve on mine had failed (the filter was only about two years old), the main visual sign is that there's no fuel in the feed pipe from the filter to the injector pump, though it can be difficult to see if the pipe is full or completely empty! Mine shows a tiny bubble at the high point of the pipe. This is assuming you have a see-thru pipe of course. Your engine starts ok when it's hot because the fuel hasn't had time to drain back. Make sense? Well it fixed mine, hope it does for yours! Geoff

[Gozz82]

Cheers mate iv just changed the fuel filter and I will see how I go over the next few days thanks again

[Gozz82]

Well no luck with the starting problem when cold went to the van this morning and would no start drained the battery so had to jump start it but it ran in the end but then drove awesome and started fine when warm iv tried every thing now and I'm stumped any one with any more ideas ? I'm starting to think it's the battery not powering the glow plugs enough or some thing like that ?

[Gozz82]

I for got to mention it's started pooring out White smoke as well when starting it and until it has warmed up could this just be un burnt fuel ?

[ghoney]

Hey Gozz, I guess it would take a while for the engine to fire after you've changed the filter, as the filter and lines are empty of fuel. Maybe it'll be ok next time? Who knows. You can check if the glow plugs are getting volts by connecting a 12v meter (or a bulb if no meter) to one of the plug tops and a good earth. Turn on ignition, you should see 12volts until the relay clicks off ie for about 10 seconds or so. No idea about the white smoke though, but it does sound like unburnt fuel, dunnit.

[mrdp]

HI, A couple of things, are you using the cold start lever? I have to use mine if the engine is cold otherwise it is lumpy for 30 seconds or so. The white smoke sounds like unburnt diesel which isn't a surprise if you have been cranking the engine for that amount of time. I would change the glow plugs and make sure the glow plug fuse in the little black box is ok ,they can get hairline cracks ,in fact just change it, they are only 50p from GSF. Mine smokes white smoke for the first 20-30 seconds even with cold start lever, but settles down quickly.Hope this helps.

[ewenmaclean]

Hello,

timing could well be an issue here, so I agree that using the cold-start lever may help. Have you tried cycling the glow plugs twice? Once an engine starts to lose just a little bit of compression (not enough for general poor running) it can be harder to start when cold - I sometimes do that just to be sure I don't put too much strain on the starter.

Good luck sorting it out

Ewen

[kit]

Fit a non return valve (I must have posted this a 100 times) between the filter and the pump and say goodbye to bad starting problems

Seriously you will not regret it.

[Gozz82]

Cheers guys I'm going to get a multi meter this weekend and test the glow plugs I also use the cold start lever and it had a none return vale already fitted I also checked the fuses but could not see a fuse for any thing to do with the glow plugs I also changed the glow plugs glow plug relay there is no air in the pipe so it's an electrical fault at the plugs or battery or the cold start sensor so I will check them with a meter this weekend and hope to get it sorted finally thanks for all the input appreciated cheers

[ewenmaclean]

Hello,

I got the impression from your first post that you'd checked the glow plug system. Under the relay there's a fusible link - a 50 amp fuse which might well be damaged as mrdp says. First thing is to check that. The temperature sensor to the relay might be at fault - disconnect it and you'll get the maximum glow period from the plugs.

Ewen

[Gozz82]

Good news I just checked the fuse plate for the power supply to the glow plugs and it's broke (under the relay) so hopefully this is the problem so my next question is any one know wear I can get a replacement cheers

[ewenmaclean]

Hello,

As mentioned it's called a fusible link - you shoukd be able to find them in any car parts shop or all over the internet. I've got a few - if you send me your address I'll put a couple in the post for you.

I'd check the resistance over the terminals first and make sure you don't have a short or it'll just happen again.

Ewen

[ringo]

VW, GSF, loads of places as its a very common part...

Ringo

[Gozz82]

Thanks very much guys for all the help it's all appreciated ewen how much for the fuse link mate