traffic0703 · May 17, 2017

My TD4 tries to cut out about 7 seconds after engine start. If you apply throttle just as it starts to falter it keeps running no problem. It only does this when engine is neither stone cold or up to temp. (eg driven 6 miles in morning, left all day and then re started to go home). It used to do this once in a while but now doing it most engine starts as above. I thought glow plugs to start with but it is doing it when the glow plug light hasn't even needed to come on as warm outside.

What may cause this? Thanks

Nodge68 · May 17, 2017

It could still be glow plugs. They operate under EDC control, even if the glow light doesn't illuminate. The glow light is only there to inform the driver to wait. If the engine is warm enough to start, the light won't show. There's no guarantee that the glow plugs aren't active though.

traffic0703 · May 17, 2017

cheers - it has never had new glow plugs and I noticed it getting a bit harder to start when colder weather was here. How long does it take a garage to change them on a TD4?
Weird though it does not try to cut out when very cold?

Arctic2 · May 17, 2017

traffic0703 said:
cheers - it has never had new glow plugs and I noticed it getting a bit harder to start when colder weather was here. How long does it take a garage to change them on a TD4?
Weird though it does not try to cut out when very cold?

It is best to change the glow plugs when the engine is up to temp, trying to change them when cold make it harder and they can sheer off, if that happens you are in a world of pain, intercooler & air ducting as to be removed as does the manifold, should take about an hour if all goes well, a few photo's below I change my glow plugs on any diesel I have, R40 MGZT diesel FL1 as part of my service.

Nodge68 · May 17, 2017

traffic0703 said:
cheers - it has never had new glow plugs and I noticed it getting a bit harder to start when colder weather was here. How long does it take a garage to change them on a TD4?
Weird though it does not try to cut out when very cold?

Glow plugs should be a 30 minute to an hour job, providing they come out. It's not uncommon for 1 or more to be stuck fast. I have 1 in my own TD4 that refuses to budge.

traffic0703 · May 17, 2017

Thanks for the replies

Nodge68 · May 17, 2017

There are other things that can cause running issues. But when starting from cold, the glow plugs are a sensible place to start.
What sort of fuel do you use? Do you use a diesel fuel system cleaner regularly?

Alibro · May 18, 2017

Would it be worth trying injector cleaner for a few fills to see it it makes an difference?

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