L series poor cold start

Hi everyone,
Have done research but would like some advice please.

My L-series is very poor at cold starting, I have to energise the glow plugs 4 times on the igntion before I attempt to turn the engine over, and then it takes a good 8-10 secs to run properly.
Warm start is fine- first turn of the key; timing is all spot on and the engine runs and pulls very well for an L series.
I have good voltage going to the glow plugs, the cable connecting them is sound and I have replaced them last week for genuine LR plugs, with no added benefit.
Before I replace it do you reckon that the glow plug relay could be a factor? Is there any other factor preventing the plugs from heating up quick enough?
Does anyone else have any other theories?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts

If the glow plugs are operating then the relay is OK. If it's done big mileage perhaps the compression pressures are down some which will mean less heat for cold starts.

Hi Chaser,
done 130k, and recently rebuilt so its a possibility but it runs very well as soon as its started with "plenty" of power for an L series. Have driven my mates L series with 100K on it and my engine has lots more 'pull' in it.
If the compression was down I assumed I would have a gutless engine.
Do you think the injectors could be messing about? Im not sure how to test these without taking them to a diesel specialist.
Thanks for your suggestion Chaser,

I cleaned out my in tank fuel sender last week,it seems to start much easier and runs better too.

Is that easy to get to? I take it is some kind of strainer assembly before the fuel pipework upto the engine bay?

I doubt if it will cure all your troubles but yes its an easy job and under the rear right seat lift the carpet and youll see a black disc ,open screws.Whack open the seal a bit (I'd recommend you vacuum any muck/dust I didn't),undo pipes and lecky connection.Unscrew the lid and lift off,carefully lift out fuel sender unit be careful with the fuel gauge float.
Mine had some water and an amount of muck in the cup.If you dont already have one invest in a haynes manual.Its the oil smudged bible of the freelanderer.

Thanks OIW, have got a manual and rave, at the in-laws at the mo so its not to hand.
Go to be worth doing anyway, so will give it a go.
Hopefully might start a bit better, not sure about stopping my doors getting wet......

Well worth a try. There have been a few reports of sludge blocking the pick up in the tanks of older freelanders recently. I suppose it must put a strain on lift pumps and make it more difficult to lift fuel from the tank at start up.

If you have to turn it over a few times before it will start in the cold, does it produce a nice big cloud of white exhaust smoke? This suggests that fuelling is ok, but as you have exlided everything else, is still worth fidding with fuel pump!

We replaced the glow plug relay a few winter's ago, must have been 105,000miles.

Cheers

Blippie

Cleared out the fuel sender yesterday.......full of muck!!!
Hair, glitter??!!!!??, bits of seal, plastic and gloopy claudiosporumresinae!, put on a new fuel filter too, did a big trip today filled up and put the millers power additive in and the freebie is running better than ever, started easier too this morning!

Think we need to spread the word about this simple maintenance job, I was shocked at the state of it!

Thanks for everyones input,

MMMmmmmm. Yummy cladosporium resinae.


Cheers

Blippie

Starts much better from cold now and runs smoother too, must be much easier for the FIP to draw fuel through without the crap!
Spread the word!

Step by step would be good then maybe a sticky ???

well done Old Irish !!