P38A Suspected glow plug problem

A few days ago, out of the blue, the P38 wouldn't start. After a few tries it reluctantly came to life, then ran and drove perfectly. The next morning, same deal, except I didn't bother with trying too long and just took a different car.

My initial thought was a faulty lift-pump. The car was pretty low on diesel and that seemed to fit the symptoms. However, following Wammers guide, I ran the pump for 10 secs and got 180ml of diesel, so ruling that out. I've checked that the pump is triggered by the igniton and that the glow plugs get 12v at the appropriate time.

I'm assuming the only real likely culpret is the glow plugs, which are of unknown age. I do have a spare set, but before I start the light dismantling required to make the swap, I just wanted to see if I'd missed anything obvious or whether you agree that glow plugs are probably the issue

Thanks!

Sounds like glowplugs, mine did the same. not a difficult job

Check the bleed off pipes on the injectors if they leak or let air in it can be a bugger to start, don't put cheep pipe on it don't last long, if your locking at glowplugs replace anyway while access is easyer.

The bleed pipes are only a few months old (good quality) so I'm ruling those out, but a good thought so thanks for the reply.

That`s what i thought when mine leaked, ended up doing mine about three times as they wouldn't seal in the end I cable tied them on no pobbs since.

First check the glow plug relay, located next to engine ECU. I had simillar issue and found that 80 A fuse (looks like a metal connector) patly melted. Didn't replace with the original thing but a thick wire connected with good ilets between the two screws. Once you remove the glow plug relay u will see what I mean.

kapilamuni said:

First check the glow plug relay, located next to engine ECU. I had simillar issue and found that 80 A fuse (looks like a metal connector) patly melted. Didn't replace with the original thing but a thick wire connected with good ilets between the two screws. Once you remove the glow plug relay u will see what I mean.

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Would suggest you replace with correct fuse - there for a reason

And the answer is:







Glow plugs!

Thanks to those that took the time to offer help.

Agreed fully n bought a new glow plug relay too. Since car starts fine when cold did not bother changing it.
It s being like that for more than a year.