3.0Di a bit slow to start when cold

[Orchilnomad]

Hi, my 3.0Di is a bit slow to start when the engine is cold. Needs turning over for about 4-5 seconds before the engine fires and runs. No excessive smoke when it does start and idles smoothly.

Battery seems strong.
A few threads on tinterweb suggest glow plug relay, multiple heatings don't seem to make much difference.

My old man (in the land of the blind the one eyed man is king :naughty) has suggested getting the timing checked on it anyway as he thinks it may be down on power.

Any suggestions?

 

[Timbo_1975]

Any splutteryness when it does fire up? Might be fuel running back to the tank?

If not, then i'd say starter and/or battery is weak.

 

[jims-terrano]

How about giving it two bursts of heater plugs before cranking over.

Jim T

 

[Timbo_1975]

The DI doesnt fire up the heater plugs until below 3 deg C, although the dash warning lamp may suggest otherwise.

 

[Orchilnomad]

Have tried multiple heating of the glow plugs - 3 last time I tried it, made no difference.

Seems to run fine once the engine actually starts.

Temp has been below 3degC most mornings recently, so should have brought the plugs on (though I didn't know they only came on below that!).

Battery doesn't sound like it's about to die, though...

It's in at auto electrician on Monday to get some wiring sorted out - will ask them to check that the plugs/relay are ok as first step - hope it'll keep going to till then... wife about to drop sprog so don't really want it breaking down on me now!

 

[jims-terrano]

The DI doesnt fire up the heater plugs until below 3 deg C, although the dash warning lamp may suggest otherwise.

Ehh are you sure about that? I can't disprove it but it does sound a bit odd

Jim T

 

[blitzskymaster]

is this true??

The DI doesnt fire up the heater plugs until below 3 deg C, although the dash warning lamp may suggest otherwise.

Why does the glow plug relay always click then????

 

[blitzskymaster]

Have tried multiple heating of the glow plugs - 3 last time I tried it, made no difference.

Seems to run fine once the engine actually starts.

Temp has been below 3degC most mornings recently, so should have brought the plugs on (though I didn't know they only came on below that!).

Battery doesn't sound like it's about to die, though...

It's in at auto electrician on Monday to get some wiring sorted out - will ask them to check that the plugs/relay are ok as first step - hope it'll keep going to till then... wife about to drop sprog so don't really want it breaking down on me now!

I have this same problem it must be common on these vehicles guy i bought it of says it done this since he got it 3years ago, it only happens in the morning???? any body know what amp battery we should be using in the 3.0 as mine seams a bit small looking.

 

[lacroupade]

I have this same problem it must be common on these vehicles guy i bought it of says it done this since he got it 3years ago, it only happens in the morning???? any body know what amp battery we should be using in the 3.0 as mine seams a bit small looking.

well the recommended one for the 2.7 is 95 Ah and 750-850 cranking amps.....

 

[Timbo_1975]

Ehh are you sure about that? I can't disprove it but it does sound a bit odd

Jim T

The current BMW 6 cylinder derv's dont use the plugs until below -7 !!

 

[Timbo_1975]

Have tried multiple heating of the glow plugs - 3 last time I tried it, made no difference.

Seems to run fine once the engine actually starts.

Temp has been below 3degC most mornings recently, so should have brought the plugs on (though I didn't know they only came on below that!).

Battery doesn't sound like it's about to die, though...

It's in at auto electrician on Monday to get some wiring sorted out - will ask them to check that the plugs/relay are ok as first step - hope it'll keep going to till then... wife about to drop sprog so don't really want it breaking down on me now!

Coulld well be the plugs / relay then! AD states -3 degC in their manual, but there will be a tolerance on that +/- couple of degrees no doubt.

 

[patbhoy]

How about giving it two bursts of heater plugs before cranking over.

Jim T

This works for me, two bursts and then starts first time.
My problem is starting when hot, struggles and turns over quite a bit before firing up.
Any thoughts:thumbs

 

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

til recently ive always given it a bit of throttle to hep it catch, after letting glow plug light go out, but saw or read, tiff off fifth gear say, diesels should be cranked til they fire on their own, and a few seconds doesnt sound that bad then, be about what ours takes when i can remember to lay off the pedal.

thing is feel more cranking takes more battery than giving a bit of juice, but not sure if latter upsets ecu, maybe a little bit?

 

[alan hedges]

Ive just picked up my Patrol GRII 2.8TD today. Its a bit of an effort to start sometimes, you need to wait about 8-10seconds after the heater light goes out before starting. When you do start it can pour white then black smoke out the back. Once running there isnt much smoke at all though, could this be glow plugs?

 

[briggie]

Ive just picked up my Patrol GRII 2.8TD today. Its a bit of an effort to start sometimes, you need to wait about 8-10seconds after the heater light goes out before starting. When you do start it can pour white then black smoke out the back. Once running there isnt much smoke at all though, could this be glow plugs?

white smoke doesnt sound too good , but dont panic , someone will be along shortly to help / advise