Starting Difficult from cold

[whippet]

Hi. This topic has probably been raised before so apologies for boring anyone with the details.
I have a Berlingo Multispace 1.9D registered 2001. I have problems starting it last year in the cold weather and replaced the glow plugs. This did the job, however I'm having the same problem again. It will eventually start after around 4 or 5 trys. This is followed by a plume of smoke. Once the car has been fired up it's okay for the rest of the day. Is it possible that the glow plugs could need to be replaced within 1 year? or is it possible that one of them could have gone faulty.
Also I've not changed the air filter for a long time. If this needs changing would it effect cold starting because I don't have a problem starting it at any other time?

[Andre]

Give this thread a read http://www.berlingoforum.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=50

What colour is the plume of smoke?

[jimbo]

I would check the glow plugs first they could well be gone again. you can check them with an ohm meter but you will need to disconnect them from the wiring first.

[whippet]

Give this thread a read http://www.berlingoforum.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=50

What colour is the plume of smoke?

The smoke is blue / grey in colour.

Thanks

[Andre]

If it is blue, this usually means your engine is burning oil. Is the engine consuming more oil than normal? Could be a worn piston ring or something not helping the situation.

[whippet]

Thanks Andre. I've had it from new and it doesn't use an excessive amount of oil. Its only covered around 78000 miles.
I think I'll be replacing the glow plugs again by the looks of it.
I had to borrow a long socket the last time. Only thing is I can't remember what size it was. I'm going to buy my own. Do you know whether its 8mm or 10mm?

[Andy]

I had this last year with my diesel Shogun. Even though it turned over fine, in the cold weather it took a few attempts to start. Turned out I needed a new battery - the voltage was fine but the ampage was low. This winter, was fine starting first time even at -8 !

[whippet]

Changed the glow plugs and all is well. Also completed a general service including changing the air filter which was grafted!
Thanks for your input folks.

[Andre]

Changed the glow plugs and all is well. Also completed a general service including changing the air filter which was grafted!
Thanks for your input folks.

Thanks for letting us know how you got on, which many people dont do! Hope to see you around the forums!

[ben123]

i had the same truble last year i replaced the plugs still the same then i replaced the batrrier then solinod on starter motor went so got new one now starts frist time