Slow Diesel Starting
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Slow Diesel Starting
Hi, hoping for some advice to save a trip to the garage. I have a 1.6td JX engine. The van always starts however takes about 20-30seconds of cranking to actually start. Once it’s run for a while the van starts no issues. I’ve had the battery checked and changed the glow plugs. What else should I be doing? Earth? Relay? Any advice greatly appreciated.
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
How long are you letting the glow plug light stay on for before cranking ?
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
Thanks for the reply, Till the light on the dash goes out usually. I have tried warming them multiple times before cranking but no real improvement.
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
How long does the light stay on ?
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
I can time it properly if needed but estimated 5 seconds? Seems too quick for an old diesel?
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
Could be air leaking into the fuel system causing the fuel to let back into the tank
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
Could be air leaking into the fuel system causing the fuel to let back into the tank
- muttleypup
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
The dash light is only an indicator that circuit is live, it's not confirmation that the circuit is working correctly. Have you checked (simple test light) that the glow plugs are getting power? If they're not, check the 50A fuse in the engine bay box, remove it to check it as they can hairline crack but look ok in situ. Failing that maybe a faulty relay, you should hear it click in and out.
If the glow plugs are working then I'd suggest a fuel issue, start checking all hoses (including the leak off pipes between injectors) for signs of dampness/deterioration that maybe letting air in
If the glow plugs are working then I'd suggest a fuel issue, start checking all hoses (including the leak off pipes between injectors) for signs of dampness/deterioration that maybe letting air in
1987 single cab pickup 1.9 1Y
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
That’s very quick, mine stay on for 30 or more, mine cranks for 10 seconds if I don’t leave them that long, maybe your relay has been replaced or the temperature sensor is faulty
- Oldiebut goodie
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
Fuel draining back is the favourite - if it were the glow plugs there would be (hopefully) a report of white smoke when it actually starts. The glow plugs are on for longer than just the period that the light is on to aid the cold running at start. An air leak at the pump or fuel line is a common cause of draining back.
Is the cold start being applied? If not try it - if it is then easier starting it could be the timing but timing doesn't normally go out of spec. on its own on a diesel without meddling.
Don't forget that you can have quick glow plugs and normal ones. Quick ones draw 12A each and normal ones 9A. Different relays are used for each - quick glow ones have red lettering on and normal ones have white.
Is the cold start being applied? If not try it - if it is then easier starting it could be the timing but timing doesn't normally go out of spec. on its own on a diesel without meddling.
Don't forget that you can have quick glow plugs and normal ones. Quick ones draw 12A each and normal ones 9A. Different relays are used for each - quick glow ones have red lettering on and normal ones have white.
1.6D 2019 VW T-Cross
200hp VW T6
1̶Y̶ ̶1̶9̶8̶7̶ ̶H̶i̶-̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶a̶v̶e̶l̶l̶e̶
5̶0̶8̶d̶ ̶M̶e̶r̶c̶
200hp VW T6
1̶Y̶ ̶1̶9̶8̶7̶ ̶H̶i̶-̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶a̶v̶e̶l̶l̶e̶
5̶0̶8̶d̶ ̶M̶e̶r̶c̶
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
Cheers for all the replies, I'll have a look at all the above and report back with any findings/success (fingers crossed). There is a small amount of white smoke when the van starts but clears within seconds, I assumed that was an old diesel thing?
Re: Slow Diesel Starting
I had fuel drain on my last van due to the injector leak off pipes. When sorted I also put a bulb pump between the fuel filter and pump so diesel wouldn't drain back all that far.
Viking Caravelle JX - Cheshire
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
Hey, your problem is almost certainly caused by the fuel filter (right hand back of the bulkhead in the engine compartment). It has a one-way valve in it that prevents the fuel draining back to the tank.
I had exactly the same symptoms, replaced filter (from Brickwerks) and the problem was fixed. Hope this helps. (there are at least two types of filter, make sure you get the same one as you currently have)
I had exactly the same symptoms, replaced filter (from Brickwerks) and the problem was fixed. Hope this helps. (there are at least two types of filter, make sure you get the same one as you currently have)
1988 Hi top Westie 1.6TD
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
I think I would make sure the glow plugs are doing what they are supposed to for as long as they are supposed to as a first step. simple test light should do it, my glow light stays on 30 seconds and engine fires immediately.
1989 1.6td westfalia california hightop
- Oldiebut goodie
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Re: Slow Diesel Starting
You shouldn't be needing 30 secs in these mild temps. No sign of glow plugs not working - no report of copious grey smoke at start up. Only slight which is normal.
1.6D 2019 VW T-Cross
200hp VW T6
1̶Y̶ ̶1̶9̶8̶7̶ ̶H̶i̶-̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶a̶v̶e̶l̶l̶e̶
5̶0̶8̶d̶ ̶M̶e̶r̶c̶
200hp VW T6
1̶Y̶ ̶1̶9̶8̶7̶ ̶H̶i̶-̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶a̶v̶e̶l̶l̶e̶
5̶0̶8̶d̶ ̶M̶e̶r̶c̶