Turboman said:
Tappets, with a T! Google search, there will be youtube vids etc of how to set. Use the rule of 9.

If it runs fine when warm, filters etc are probably ok.
It is normal for old diesels to run well when hot, even if a bit old and worn. But cold starting is much more difficult, especailly in very low temperatures.
Cranking speed is often a factor, an old battery doesnt give much juice on a cold day, a landrover will tend to take more starting than a Mazda.
Like he says^^^^^^^^, make sure the glowplugs are working. That sort of engine likes preheat,and a good spin over.
Click to expand...
 
Can you try hand priming / bleeding the diesel before starting might be non return valves faulty in piesel pump or a small leak letting the fuel drain back overnight.
 
Blackburn said:
Can you try hand priming / bleeding the diesel before starting might be non return valves faulty in piesel pump or a small leak letting the fuel drain back overnight.
Click to expand...
Hi. I did have a go with the pump. I pumped it about 20 times. Still didn't turn over. I don't know if I'm supposed to pump for longer.
Thanks for the tip.
 
Pigsy13 said:
Hi. I did have a go with the pump. I pumped it about 20 times. Still didn't turn over. I don't know if I'm supposed to pump for longer.
Thanks for the tip.
Click to expand...

The lift pump wont make the engine turn over. it just pressurises the low pressure side a bit more before start up. And the hand primer wont do anything if the pump is on the cam, you will feel the difference if it isnt.
 
Check the earths and the starter connections. I had exactly this problem and it would take glow plug heat and another 30 secs of cranking to get going when cold. Tightened all earths and it goes first rotation now after 20-30 secs of glowplugs
 
samc88 said:
Check the earths and the starter connections. I had exactly this problem and it would take glow plug heat and another 30 secs of cranking to get going when cold. Tightened all earths and it goes first rotation now after 20-30 secs of glowplugs
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I will have a look tomorrow.
 
Hi everyone.
Just to let you know. I change all 4 glow plugs and it started on the button.
Thanks again for everyone's help and advice. I really did appreciate it.
Paul
 
Ok. After changing the glow plugs it starts fine. But 3 or 4 days later the battery dies. I charged the battery again and all looks good. I put a multimeter on. Battery was 12.8v. I left the meter on as I drove to work (5miles) I had lights and fan on. But as I was driving voltage was dropping. (I'm guessing alternator) when I got to my work I turned fan and light of and just let it tick over. The voltage began to rise.
My question is. Do you think it is the alternator or a bad connection.
As always any advice greatly revived.
Paul
 
do your lights dim when you drop to tickover?
If so alternator not man enough as long as belt is tight and all connections good., find a motor factor that will test your battery for you before buying a new one.
 
Blackburn said:
find a motor factor that will test your battery for you before buying a new one.
Click to expand...

Not that easy now. The battery wholesaler where I buy batteries say they can no longer do drop testing, because there is a small risk of the battery exploding due to sparks as the drop tester is applied.

They can still test for voltage with a multimeter, but that is no guide to how it will hold up under load.

I would just buy a new one, they dont last for ever. Five years at the outside for most modern ones.
 
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