Series 3, with 19J, starting problems

Hi folks,

Can anyone cast any light on this problem. A mate and I have rebuilt a series 3 with a 19 j engine ( rebored etc). It has developed starting problems. I give it 20 seconds of heat , it cranks over well, but it will not start without plenty of cranking, and some throttle. It then smoke white, until its warmed up a bit, It also sounds a bit lumpy ( missing)

Checked the glow plugs, all good. It has had a new battery and starter in the last 3 months.

Any words of wisdom would be very gratefully received.

Cheers

White smoke suggests fuel. So I would check injectors my local diesel specialist will check injectors for free (if you get them Reconditioned by them should there be a fault). Worse case is pump but we don't want that, do we.

check timing,tappets and compression

SpringDon said:

White smoke suggests fuel. So I would check injectors my local diesel specialist will check injectors for free (if you get them Reconditioned by them should there be a fault). Worse case is pump but we don't want that, do we.

Click to expand...

+1

jamesmartin said:

check timing,tappets and compression

Click to expand...

+1

OP, dont touch the throttle pedal during start up, it will make matters worse.

19J starts best with your foot off the throttle- there is a compensator in the pump which adds extra fuel for starting, but only if the pedal isn't pressed. A bit of lumpy running and occasional puff of white smoke is fairly normal until it's got a bit of temperature in the block. I increase the revs slightly just after a cold start which seems to make it sort itself out quicker.

Trouble starting could be down to poor compression, and the most likely cause of that is a failed head gasket. Mine had the same trouble which was traced to the gasket having blown between two cylinders. Check the compression as a first diagnostic.

Thanks folks, The head was tested and reskimmed about 6 months ago. I'll atart with the tappets, the timing and then a pressure test. if those are all ok then I guess it leaves the injection pump

If anyone else has any alternative suggestions doe please let me know.

Many many thanks folks.

If it comes to injection pump, check the injectors first (they're cheaper and easier to do)

moorlander said:

Thanks folks, The head was tested and reskimmed about 6 months ago. I'll atart with the tappets, the timing and then a pressure test. if those are all ok then I guess it leaves the injection pump

If anyone else has any alternative suggestions doe please let me know.

Many many thanks folks.

Click to expand...

Much better to get the sprayers serviced first. If there is no problem, it costs nothing other than 8 new washers. But you will likely find they are just dribbling, few ever bother to get them serviced, although the interval is clearly stated at 40k by the manufacturer.

I wouldn't expect anyone to pop up with a magic bullet solution. These are fairly simple engines, there are only so many things to do. And the people that have already suggested have over a centuries experience working on these engines. Doubtful we have missed anything!