P38A Glow plug checks

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EntropyUK

Well-Known Member
Posts
467
Location
Hemel Hempsted
The colder weather has brought an issue I have been ignoring to the surface. When cold the Rangie does not like starting at all. Even after 3-5 cycles of the glow plugs I need to continue cranking it until it just starts to pick up and then as it climbs to standard tick-over there is a large cloud of smoke out the back. I changed the glow plugs last year when this problem started even though the originals were only 18 months old, the new plugs had no effect so my assumption is that the plugs are good.

So I need to start ticking things off my check list to find the problem. Is this the right order I should work through?
1. Check fuse
2. Check Relay
3. Check that I have 12v to all plugs. If 12v seen, do I need to check the current being delivered?
4. Check fuel pump
5. Replace leak off pipes. What specs do I need to ask for at the motor factors?

Have I missed anything?
 
EntropyUK said:
The colder weather has brought an issue I have been ignoring to the surface. When cold the Rangie does not like starting at all. Even after 3-5 cycles of the glow plugs I need to continue cranking it until it just starts to pick up and then as it climbs to standard tick-over there is a large cloud of smoke out the back. I changed the glow plugs last year when this problem started even though the originals were only 18 months old, the new plugs had no effect so my assumption is that the plugs are good.

So I need to start ticking things off my check list to find the problem. Is this the right order I should work through?
1. Check fuse
2. Check Relay
3. Check that I have 12v to all plugs. If 12v seen, do I need to check the current being delivered?
4. Check fuel pump
5. Replace leak off pipes. What specs do I need to ask for at the motor factors?

Have I missed anything?
Click to expand...
What make of glow plugs did you fit? there are a lots of useless ones on the market.
You will not see 12 volts at the glowplugs, it will be nearer 10 volts unless they are all open circuit.
If you have voltage at the glow plugs, no need to check the fuse or relay.
How much fuel in the tank? If it's quarter full or less, a duff in tank pump can affect starting.
You only need to replace the leak off pipes if they are leaking. If they are leaking it should be obvious from diesel pooling round the injectors.
My money would be on cheapo glowplugs.
 
You work near Heathrow? I'd go down and see @Dopey's mate Max for the leak off pipe.

What make of glows did you buy? Are all connections still good? Probably worth pulling a few and taking a gander.
 
Check the resistance in the glow plugs pull them & connect them to battery with jump leads
& see if they glow at the tips ;)
 
EntropyUK said:
The colder weather has brought an issue I have been ignoring to the surface. When cold the Rangie does not like starting at all. Even after 3-5 cycles of the glow plugs I need to continue cranking it until it just starts to pick up and then as it climbs to standard tick-over there is a large cloud of smoke out the back. I changed the glow plugs last year when this problem started even though the originals were only 18 months old, the new plugs had no effect so my assumption is that the plugs are good.

So I need to start ticking things off my check list to find the problem. Is this the right order I should work through?
1. Check fuse
2. Check Relay
3. Check that I have 12v to all plugs. If 12v seen, do I need to check the current being delivered?
4. Check fuel pump
5. Replace leak off pipes. What specs do I need to ask for at the motor factors?

Have I missed anything?
Click to expand...

Yours is the later model, isn't it? 1999? So your should pump while cranking. Any air in the little clear plastic pipe out from the fuel filter in the mornings?
 
Grrrrrr said:
Yours is the later model, isn't it? 1999? So your should pump while cranking. Any air in the little clear plastic pipe out from the fuel filter in the mornings?
Click to expand...
Air in the system would most likely affect starting whatever the weather. If there is air, first check is the leak off pipes.
 
Datatek said:
But do not leave them connected too long, they are not 12 volt rated.
Click to expand...
kevstar said:
Shouldn't need to spit on them to see a bit of steam


Yes I agree, I should have said just to they start glowing then remove ;)
Click to expand...
kevstar said:
Shouldn't need to spit on them to see a bit of steam. It's a lot dryer down here so a bit of moisture is required. I just touch the jump lead until heating up is visable.

Yes I agree, I should have said just to they start glowing then remove ;)
Click to expand...
 
I'm wondering whether the glow plugs are becoming a consumable item on these cars as they get older, I have replaced mine every winter for the last 3 years, last two sets were Beru, NGK before that.
 
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