new member - cold start problem. Car not me.

[rivs]

Just signed up in the hope of gaining some insight into the Terrano II. Recently bought one as need a decent towing vehilce and 4x4. It has always takena while to fire up. But the recent cold weather has proved a real challenge. I have checked that power is etting to the low plugs and can hear the glow plug relay working. But still from cold takes quite a few attempts before it will fire. Whic is followed by quite a bit of black smoke from the exhasust. My thinking is 1 of the glow plugs might be defective. Does not look like a huge job to pull these after the intercooler is removed. But would appreciate any help / advice before I venture out into the cold to check.

Many thanks.

[dollywobbler]

Howdy. Try giving the plugs more than one 'burn' before you actually start the engine. If that improves things, it does indeed suggest at least one defective plug.

[rivs]

cheers. Have been doing so. 2 or 3 goes before cranking. Then still takes 3 or 4 goes at cranking before it bursts into life. After that all is peachy.

[(RIP) PLANK]

which model T2 do you have? a TD a TDI a 2.7 or a 3? I am guessing from your post a 2.7 TDI as it has an intercooler. Not a massive job to replace glow plugs and they are usually available from your local motor factor

[R1cho]

could also be either starer motor or battery, can you borrow a battery from somewhere? give it a try if turns over then you have found the problem without having paid anything out on parts you may have not needed.

[(RIP) PLANK]

Originally Posted by R1cho

could also be either starer motor or battery, can you borrow a battery from somewhere? give it a try if turns over then you have found the problem without having paid anything out on parts you may have not needed.

Good Point! or even try starting it with jump leads on, if it cranks over first time it could be the battery. You can then test the charging and battery with a multi meter

[rivs]

sorry yes a 2.7 TDI. Car turns over just fine. To be honest, thought would flatten battery the other day as took so long to fire up but was still cranking no problem. It's just getting the engine to fire up that is causing some concern. As rarely use the car have connected a solar charger (not sure if wrking but that's another story). But based on how long the car has sat between running and the length of time the battery has still cranked the engine I have assumed all is OK there.

[makeitfit]

Almost certainly glow plugs then especially as you say there's a smoke screen once it does fire up
I/C off then carefully undo the buzbar , probably worth a squirt of WD40 1st.
Make sure the area round them is clean before you take them out , or you'll get crap in your bore

[rivs]

cheers. Nice to know am on the right lines with my diagnosis.

[rustic]

Originally Posted by makeitfit

Almost certainly glow plugs then especially as you say there's a smoke screen once it does fire up
I/C off then carefully undo the buzbar , probably worth a squirt of WD40 1st.
Make sure the area round them is clean before you take them out , or you'll get crap in your bore

If you want to replace just the faulty ones, and I would guess that you have possibly 2 or 3 faulty ones, then when the busbar is removed, you can then meter them out.

If 2-3 gone replace all 4.
They are approx £10 a piece, and the Tdi and Td have different glowplugs.

TIP:
It is possible to snap the glow plug off, so as Makeitfit suggests, some WD40 on the threads, say a few hours before and use a "T" bar with a long extension, so that you don't apply a side force, as when you use a standard side wrench there is quite a side force on the plug, and this creates a greater chance of snapping the plug.

A bit of copper slip grease on the threads of the new ones and they will be easier to remove. They last about 5 years, so you need to keep the odd spare.

The less you have working, the longer it takes to start, if one goes, it's just a bit lumpy until it warms up.

[supergnome]

Not all T2's have the same glow plugs. So take care when choosing. the £9 ones i got didn't fit. The correct ones cost me £ 28. David.

[rivs]

cheers guys. Was gonna change all 4 if found 1 had gone, but may reconsider if £28 EACH! Plenty of WD40 though seems to be the common message.

[Sparks61]

Yes - take care taking them out ......
This is the voice of someone who currently has a cylinder head at the machine shop to get one drilled out and heli-coiled .

I didn't take them out mind you ......

[rivs]

hmm. Wonder then if may just leave for a while as car does eventually start. Could not afford to be without it at the moment due to the snow. But then ireonically when warms up and can fix it, it will work again. Bit of a dilema.

[rustic]

Originally Posted by rivs

hmm. Wonder then if may just leave for a while as car does eventually start. Could not afford to be without it at the moment due to the snow. But then ireonically when warms up and can fix it, it will work again. Bit of a dilema.

Keep a can of WD 40 handy, spray into the intake as you are cranking, will start first time.


Don't overdo it though, and it's better than easy start as easy start de-greases the upper cylinder and can cause excess wear if used a lot.