J

JMJH

Member
On cold mornings the car is really difficult to start. Turns over but can take 30 seconds to catch and when it does it's doing so really slowly so I have to keep it turning over with the key for 5-10 seconds just while it's trying to catch on top of the 20-30 seconds of turning over beforehand. Loads of smoke (looks more like steam).

It's not the battery as it had a brand new 1000cca battery fitted and also has a new lift pump so it doesn't sound like the obvious culprits. Any clues what is likely to be out there?
 
lazy starter perhaps it will struggle to start with low cranking speed ,if speed is ok worth looking at leak off pipes and lift pump allowing fuel to drain back but it would be warm mornings too not just cold , glow plugs shouldnt really be needed but might help if they are working perfectly
 
Those little things that heat up prior to cold starting on diesel engines may not be working. :)
 
I thought glow plugs were pretty reliable and didn't deteriorate. However it sounds like I should start there. I'll feel a bit stupid if it is as basic as that....

Just to underline my numptie credentials, I'm new to diesels so can I ask how difficult these are to replace and whether there is any particular type I'd be better off buying? TIA.
 
If they havn't been changed in a long while I would spray some penetrating oli down there a couple of days before changing, as they can snap off!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Maat
Disco 1 300tdi won't start in the cold
Replies
12
Views
1K
Stanleysteamer
Stanleysteamer
G
2.5 NA won’t start after injection pump swap.
Replies
3
Views
546
al2647
A
M
Starter problems on 1996 300TDI 90.
Replies
2
Views
296
M1CYO
M
pocketrocket
Disco 300tdi sluggish power
Replies
5
Views
422
pocketrocket
pocketrocket
pwood999
P38A HEVAC Blend Motor Testing
Replies
9
Views
347
Datatek
Datatek