Cold Start problem has anyone had this problem

[Well fed Edd]

Can I take it then that the 1.9D is prone to valve recession ? Just curious as I have one.

Thanks I would never have considered valve clearences even after many frustrated moments constantly kicking over my endro bike trying to get it to start from cold with no clearence on the exhaust valves!!

For anyone reading this thread mine has just covered 160'000 miles... probably would have helped if I had mentioned that earlier!

[ron]

Can I take it then that the 1.9D is prone to valve recession ? Just curious as I have one.

No,they are not.they are just prone to lazy/tight owners/mechanics.
Mechanics don't often check the clearances & when they do'owners won't pay for the adjustment.
When I was in the trade I would advise the valves checked prior to cambelt change,as most cambelts should not be reused irrespective of mileage.

[Gandolf]

I've got a clamp metre, but am I looking for the presence of current or some level?

glow plugs should remain on for a bit after the light has gone out... some vehicles they flick on and off whilst the engines cold.. often theres a timing relay and a main relay.... aint had my berlingo long enough to find out whats there.
partially blocked fuel filter can cause problems not letting enough fuel through for a cold start.

its not unknown for glowplugs to be faulty out the box... i had similar with a megane ... bastid to start ..replaced plugs... a little better ... ..........
ive now got a cheap chinese clamp on meter that clips round a lead and gives a (rough) measurement of the current.

[ricc]

I've got a clamp metre, but am I looking for the presence of current or some level?

glow plugs should remain on for a bit after the light has gone out... some vehicles they flick on and off whilst the engines cold.. often theres a timing relay and a main relay.... aint had my berlingo long enough to find out whats there.
partially blocked fuel filter can cause problems not letting enough fuel through for a cold start.

its not unknown for glowplugs to be faulty out the box... i had similar with a megane ... bastid to start ..replaced plugs... a little better ... ..........
ive now got a cheap chinese clamp on meter that clips round a lead and gives a (rough) measurement of the current.

think its normally about 10 amps per plug.... but if one or more is drawing nowt thats the duff one ... does your clamp meter measure dc amps some only do ac

[geoff]

Can I take it then that the 1.9D is prone to valve recession ? Just curious as I have one.

No,they are not.they are just prone to lazy/tight owners/mechanics.
Mechanics don't often check the clearances & when they do'owners won't pay for the adjustment.
When I was in the trade I would advise the valves checked prior to cambelt change,as most cambelts should not be reused irrespective of mileage.

Thank you for that Ron, yes it makes sense to take the opportunity to check and adjust whilst the bulk of the work is already under way.

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Good point regarding the clamp on ammeter Ricc
.... for any prospective purchaser of this tool ......please ensure it will measure D.C. currents otherwise you will waste your money !