Poor starting

I have a n reg 300 tdi. Just recently it has started to start poorly first thing in the day. Once started it is no problem restarting. It is not down to the cold as i did not have this problem at all last winter. Up untill an few weeks ago it started first turn now takes alittle time and use of the throttle to start.

I realise could be multitude of things but want some pointers on where to start. The first one i will be doing is renew glow plugs tomorrow.

What else could be the problem adn where do i start. as i only get on go at it as once it has started then starts no problem for the rest of then day.

what grade oil are you using?

New glow plugs are always a good idea but make sure that the circuitry to them is working. A faulty relay, corroded connection etc.

Not having the problem last winter means nothing.

The battery is a year older.

I would suggest getting that checked first.

dogsbody said:

New glow plugs are always a good idea but make sure that the circuitry to them is working. A faulty relay, corroded connection etc.

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Is there a way to test the relay and glow plugs.

09keithpayne said:

what grade oil are you using?

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The same as i have used for last 4 years. semi sythethic stuff for diesel change it every june along with filters although i did not do fuel filter this time i only do about 4000 miles a year.

Mine being do this for the past year and is worse now it colder.

I changed the glow plugs, battery and glow plug relay but it still does it.


It in the garage now for its mot, and this issue so I let you know the outcome, if I had a guess though I think fuel lift pump is the next thing to look at.

I've had the same problems, battery, glow plugs, all wiring/earths checked ... then checked the fuel filter which was empty, fitted a new fuel lift pump & issues cleared up.

Im hoping for the same kind of quick fix to

could be the leak pipes on the injectors allowing the diesel to feed back over night.

colinl said:

could be the leak pipes on the injectors allowing the diesel to feed back over night.

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Please elaborate what checks can i do and where is the leak pipe at the moment lift pump is sounding good. Was goign to do glow plugs today but is is p ing down.

leak off pipes run between injectors then to rear/return on injecton pump ,a clear plastic pipe placed between filter and front banjo bolt on pump replacing or fitting in fuel delivery pipe will let you know if your getting good clean fuel to injection pump common failings are steel pipes coming out of sender unit under hatch in boot floor lhs one is feed to pump rhs return , sedimenter on inside of chassis rh rear wheel arch (best bypassed ) lift pump

I had starting probs and it turned out to be timing massively out

Could be sedimenter?

iv got a similar issue, but mine splutters under harsh acceleration, once done shes fine, big cloud of white smoke though, my pump has been tweeked, but once warm doesnt smoke too much usually.

mine turns over about 3 times before she fires......but it has got 210600 miles on the clock.once warm a touch of the the key and we are away.my next job on the never ending but almost beaten list is to relocate the sedimenter next to the fuel filter in the engine bay...simples servicing

get a nice see through one

the one im going to get is used with perkins engines,it uses a strainer filter and a glass bowl....its on the shelf at work

Google Image Result for http://www.pslaterfie.co.uk/images/5836b120_s.jpg

Right here goes.

Changed the spill over pipes as they were wet with desiel and are now no longer.
Changed the glow plugs. This made it start first turn once making me think i had cured it. then next day same problem very poor starting big clouds of white smoke out the back of what i assume is unburnt fuel.

Wondering what next.

Got mine sorted, turned out fuel pump needed changing as well as my timing was out, and the time belt had also been fitted incorrectly by a small amount, and something about 3 bolts to the pump had not been removed and replaced. I should find out a bit more detail when I pick mine up.

check the alt is putting enough current to the battery should be 14. summat and check the battery itself, sounds daft but alot of poor starting problems stem from a weak battery... i had starting trouble, a wise old man told me i needed a 100amp battery... put that on and starts 1st time every time. Do these checks n see what you get