first gear

Hi
Just looking for some advice I have a p38 2,5 ds manual which runs sweet and has good power through all the gears except for first,somtimes I go to pull away and the revs just drop off and the car stalls and thats on the flat if i'm on a hill then i some times have to down in to low range to get up it.It's no t my driving as it's the same for my wife and some freinds how have tryed it.So any idears? could it be the clutch? fuel feed problem?.
Thanks for you time and help.
Gary

The diesels are notoriously under powered until the revs get into the 2200 range and above...

The autos are better suited to this lack of low speed power, as the torque converter and gearbox slippage controls the power feed....

With a manual you really need to get the revs up and slip the clutch in first to get them moving, esp. up hills or towing....

If it really is that bad, I would consider looking at the In Tank Pump too...as a they have a tendancy to wear out and fail regularly....

Easy enough to replace and only about £50....

Another good symptom of weak pump is difficulty to start when the tank is below 1/3rd full...if it struggles to start and is slow/sluggish I would consider this to be the ITP.

Also check the MAP sensor (Manifold Absolute Pressure) it is mounted on the fuel filter next to the engine and the Fuel Injection Pump...there is a small pipe from under the intake manifold that connects to the Sensor...this little pipe can split and/or get blocked up....remove it and inspect...if the pipe is sound...it may be the MAP sensor also....

Depending on year, if it is fitted with the EGR system and a MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor, it has been known for a faulty MAF to cause sluggish behaviour too....

A gunged up EGR will cause issues with power, and also a gunged up intercooler, and collapsed Turbo Hoses (They delamininate inside and cause blockages)...

As you can see there are a few things to check....

Most common problem is peoples lack of realisation of how slow the diesel is and how much clutch slippage can be needed in certain circumstances...but if you understand that part, I would look first at the ITP and the MAP sensor as these are more than likely the cause....

Let us know how you get on, as this is how we learn.

Thanks for the info saint V8 I'll have to get in to the barn to night and go through the things you have suggested. I'll let you know what the out come is
Cheers
Gary