P38 2.5 hot start issues.

Hello everyone. I know this is a covered subject as I've gone through everything recommended. I've replaced my in tank fuel pump. Fitted a non return valve. Replaced the olives and union's at top of pump. My car will always start. But after a fair few cranks and then a big puff of diesel comes out. However when it's cold and the glow plugs heat up up. It fires up Straight away. Basically. I'm. Getting fed up. Can I just wire a switch to the glow plugs past the relay? So. It'll still work as it should. But then when the. Ecu doesn't turn them. On. I can? Thanks boys

If it’s a pre MY98 it will probably need a hotstart. I’m struggling with mine it has a homemade one. Ebay kit timer version is what you want

If it’s a later p38 think the issue was resolved by then so something else is wrong

Are your plugs in good condition? general rule here is don’t get the cheap ones. Beru seems a favourite

Yeah plugs work brilliant when activated. That's the problem. Yeah it's a 96

You can make one like me if you are crazy


Best off get one off eBay first as last they are about £35 come in nice box. Will bring glows and cold start fuel on with ignition when engine is warm and you’ll be fine.

Make sure it’s a timer version - you don’t want it on all the time.

Rangeroverbass said:

Yeah plugs work brilliant when activated. That's the problem. Yeah it's a 96

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Chains will be stretched and static will be retarded this does not help hot starting.

wammers said:

Chains will be stretched and static will be retarded this does not help hot starting.

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So that's quite a major job to be to. The front of the list then

Always listen to Wammers with these things.

I’d check you have no bubbles in clear pipe first and no leaks at FIP

Your year will benefit from HS though

Static timing would help if you have a dti gauge and time. Better than a mod.

Yeah I think I'll get one while I save to replace chains. Only just spent a load on it. And it does say on diagnostics that the fuelings out so guessing thats why. Explains all.

You would also need a flywheel timing pin, possibly new inlet manifold gaskets, anything else you may want to do while manifolds off like temp sensors/plugs

Rangeroverbass said:

So that's quite a major job to be to. The front of the list then

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Changing the chains is a biggish job, and you have to be competent. You also need to know what you are doing to set static. Special tool needed for either job.

Price up each and give RAVE a good read, again and again til you can recite it off by heart

Rangeroverbass said:

Yeah I think I'll get one while I save to replace chains. Only just spent a load on it. And it does say on diagnostics that the fuelings out so guessing thats why. Explains all.

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Can you record a trace of the EDC fuelling to SD card and zip and attach the file? Idling while warm only.

What's the modulation and what mileage is yours on?

Wammers is almost certainly correct but hot-start might let you limp on for a but until funds/time allows. Mine has needed new chains for years now.

Grrrrrr said:

Can you record a trace of the EDC fuelling to SD card and zip and attach the file? Idling while warm only.

What's the modulation and what mileage is yours on?

Wammers is almost certainly correct but hot-start might let you limp on for a but until funds/time allows. Mine has needed new chains for years now.

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I can I'll get an sd card and do it. There's. 170000 on the car but this engine. Was. 98000 and put in a couple thou ago. It's now running lovely and picks up well. Just the start issue. Just. Out of curiosity. Could it maybe. Have something to do with the fact it's a new. Engine with. The. Original ecu?

What year is the new engine? Does it have a plastic manifold?

Pretty sure. It was a 96 aswell. No the metal one.

Should be OK then unless someone left something off.

Rangeroverbass said:

Pretty sure. It was a 96 aswell. No the metal one.

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That’s the nice one

RangeRoller dt said:

That’s the nice one

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Yeah. Before all that plastic and EGR crap.

Grrrrrr said:

Should be OK then unless someone left something off.

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Possible my mechanics good but not an expert on the p38 as you clearly have to be to own. One Hhah

I have a brand new hot start that I haven't used you can have for £30