P38 2.5 DT Starting Issues

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Lewis.Moore

New Member
Posts
1
Location
Chesterfield
Hi All,
Please bear with me on my first post of this epic forum!

I have a 96 2.5 diesel P38.
It has an issue starting, particularly first thing in the morning, and even worse in the cold.
I have read about Fuel lifter pump and leak off valves, both seem to be in good order. I also have a on return valve in after the fuel filter which is always full of fuel.
the glow plugs are also fairly new, and getting 12v as they should.
once she's running, she's smooth as anything and reasonably good on fuel consumption.

It just turns and turns not catching until eventually it starts with a plume of grey smoke.
once its started, it has the usual few turns and fires up hot start type of situation, which is fine.

If i run the glow plug sequence 4 or 5 times its better, but still takes a few attempts to get it to start.

I have seen that the fuel cut of solenoid could be the issue. I thought i could give the rest button a push (the one thats behind the little flap near the bonnet release, but theres just a white plug in there.
Where is the solenoid located? how can i test it? are the easy to replace?
Could it be a totally different issue?
There is a box near the inlet (that i think is the injection pump) that seems to be covered in silicone sealant. I know these are a very expensive part to replace and get set up; do these symptoms sound like it could be a crappy FIP, or a timing issue?

any help appreciated!

Many thanks
Lewis.
 
The glow plugs are really important, if you have just one below par it'll cause problems.
The timing on the pump due to a stretched chain can also cause delayed starting although more apparent when the engine is hot.
What mileage do you have and do you have a diagnostic suite for the 38'?
You.can check the glow plugs résistance and they should all be the same.
BOSCH, beru, ngk or champion are all good makes but anything else may be false economy especially when not a quick job to change them;)
Silicone on the fip?
If its leaking fuel it'll draw in air also and that'll delay starting. The none return valve will hold fuel but won't stop the pump leaking its contents.
Is the diff underneath wet with diesel? ;)
 
Mine used to be very poor starting cold just as yours is, was told new glow plugs had been fitted. They were cheap imports, changed for NGK now no problems. Other morning showed -4 started first turn. Glow plugs are very important
 
like most have said could be the glow plugs
the silicone on the fuel injection pump it not good I would say it leaking and letting air in system so when you starting it trying to push the air out thats why it a bit of a pig to start
 
Hi All,
Please bear with me on my first post of this epic forum!

I have a 96 2.5 diesel P38.
It has an issue starting, particularly first thing in the morning, and even worse in the cold.
I have read about Fuel lifter pump and leak off valves, both seem to be in good order. I also have a on return valve in after the fuel filter which is always full of fuel.
the glow plugs are also fairly new, and getting 12v as they should.
once she's running, she's smooth as anything and reasonably good on fuel consumption.

It just turns and turns not catching until eventually it starts with a plume of grey smoke.
once its started, it has the usual few turns and fires up hot start type of situation, which is fine.

If i run the glow plug sequence 4 or 5 times its better, but still takes a few attempts to get it to start.

I have seen that the fuel cut of solenoid could be the issue. I thought i could give the rest button a push (the one thats behind the little flap near the bonnet release, but theres just a white plug in there.
Where is the solenoid located? how can i test it? are the easy to replace?
Could it be a totally different issue?
There is a box near the inlet (that i think is the injection pump) that seems to be covered in silicone sealant. I know these are a very expensive part to replace and get set up; do these symptoms sound like it could be a crappy FIP, or a timing issue?

any help appreciated!

Many thanks
Lewis.

Glow plugs gets my vote. Beru are best and worth the extra expense.
 
We didn't frighten him did we with what could be wrong?
You never know,
I had a guy turn up at the garage with a 97 38' he'd bought for a grand. It was dragged out of a shed. No brakes at all, abs and the injector light on the dash. A ton of issues that a 23 yr old rr has and was shocked when I told him this love affair will cost him but will leave him either bitter or will leave him with a great car.
He's kept it.. He's hooked ah tell thee!!!
 
You never know,
I had a guy turn up at the garage with a 97 38' he'd bought for a grand. It was dragged out of a shed. No brakes at all, abs and the injector light on the dash. A ton of issues that a 23 yr old rr has and was shocked when I told him this love affair will cost him but will leave him either bitter or will leave him with a great car.
He's kept it.. He's hooked ah tell thee!!!
Ee bah gum that's a luvly tale Luv a appi ending:D
 
Whos top and bottom?
I get it,
Here you go dopey lad. Me and you. ;)
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