Diesel techy question

[petergalileo]

Why would a diesel not start on the starter but on a tow starts as soon as you pop the clutch ? it runs well, just starting thats causing the problem, no smoke from the exhaust except a puff of grey on firing up. its a later 300 TDI.

[dave_2A_2.25Turbo]

Glow plugs, the battery, or the starter, in that order

[petergalileo]

Glow plugs are fine, Battery spins the engine well and the lights only dim slightly so the battery is fine, Starter as I said, spins the engine well.

[thermidorthelobster]

Long shot, but an earthing fault could be leading to a voltage drop across the injectors when the starter motor's turning over?  Ditto the fuel pump?

[beast5680]

you could have a starter switch fault that causes no live to be sent to the fuel shut off solenoid on the pump when the engine is cranked over, check the live to the pump is live when the starter is being used or run a live to the solenoid and then try the starter

[Xtremeteam]

Long shot, but an earthing fault could be leading to a voltage drop across the injectors when the starter motor's turning over?  Ditto the fuel pump?

300tdi have mech injectors

[Porny]

Also check....

The lift pump is working correcty (check the fuel filter is full)

Check the engine timing - if the injector timing is retarted it will struggle to start.  Has anyone fitted  cam belt recently?   Incorrect cam timing will also cause problems.

Check the valve/tappet clearance.  If the valves don't open fully you can suffer poor starting.

Check the earth too.... run a jump lead from the battery straight to the engine.


Ian