Cold starting issues

[MettyMatty]

I had another quick go at starting it today. - Not happening.

The fuel is now holding better but the primer isn't solid after a few pumps as some suggest it should be.

I'm charging the battery overnight and testing it with my full load tester. If it won't go after one more bleed, glow plug check and charged battery, it's going to the breakers!

Bottom line is I need reliable transport for work and I've been without this since xmas so it will be going at the end of the week if it won't start.

[IanR]

You may have checked this already, but could your glowplugs be open circuit? They draw about 12 amps each when healthy, and a simple test is to watch for a dimming of the interior lamp when you turn the ignition on (but don't turn the starter) which should brighten again a few seconds after the glowplug warning goes out. (the light indicates OK to start, not necessarily the end of the preheat time) On a voltmeter, the battery should show about half a volt drop or so. Or, just measure their resistance with the feed disconnected, should be a bit less than an ohm cold.

Heavy smoke does suggest a completely cold start.

[1961ed1961]

My van starts or splutters into life with a large cloud of smoke then after a short while runs fine, the glow plugs are fine and fully operational. Reading this post it seems a common problem. I was thinking it might be either overfuelling after switching off and leaving o/night or a cold start problem, I'm no mechanic but it must point towards a fuel pump problem ?

[IanR]

Maybe check this too. ... a diesel drip from around the injector with the wires on.......out the side of the rubber plug on the unused excess fuel connection... Kinda surprising such a small leak could have so drastic an effect.

[davehills]

There is a circular connector mounted low down on the engine side of the wheel arch wall, passenger side, below the battery near the air filter box. (It takes a bit of finding!)

Sometimes these connectors suffer bad corrosion due to perished seals and can give rise to poor starting. It's worth checking this connector with a multimeter and spraying with contact cleaner. If any poor connections are noted, bridge them out with bits of suitable wire.

[ron]

Something that occured to me.Have you checked the fuel line back to the tank?A small leak will let air into the system.Just a thought.