Trouble starting from cold

[Sp00ny]

Sincethe other weekend the bus has not been starting well from cold, usually its instant. Once up and running its all ok. Having searched the forum i gather its likely to be fuel issues or glow plugs.

I run on Biodiesel, around 80-90% this time of year but 100% for the warmer months. I recently tried to change the fuel filter (i do it routinely every 3 months) but couldn't get it off, I was using a chain removal tool and it was starting to bend the filter housing so i gave up. Couple of days later my mate got it off using a better tool with more leverage. The inside was damaged when it came off. Have i done some damage? Problem is, i'm 80% sure it was beginning to take longer to start BEFORE i first attempted the filter change.

I have tried waiting longer for the glowplug light to go off, and also let it run through 2 or 3 cycles, and this helps a little, but not much and not every time.

This morning (v cold, about 5 or 6 deg) the wife said it started eventually, and a mile or so down the road cut out completely but restarted ok and got to work ok. Slow to start again later on. This is easily the coldest day so far this winter. I'm going to drop another tenner of diesel in later.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks

[Ace of Diamonds]

Try reducing the % of bio give a little more diesel , but it might be the glow plugs ,someone who knows more should be along soon.

[dudds]

Originally Posted by Sp00ny

Sincethe other weekend the bus has not been starting well from cold, usually its instant. Once up and running its all ok. Having searched the forum i gather its likely to be fuel issues or glow plugs.

I run on Biodiesel, around 80-90% this time of year but 100% for the warmer months. I recently tried to change the fuel filter (i do it routinely every 3 months) but couldn't get it off, I was using a chain removal tool and it was starting to bend the filter housing so i gave up. Couple of days later my mate got it off using a better tool with more leverage. The inside was damaged when it came off. Have i done some damage? Problem is, i'm 80% sure it was beginning to take longer to start BEFORE i first attempted the filter change.

I have tried waiting longer for the glowplug light to go off, and also let it run through 2 or 3 cycles, and this helps a little, but not much and not every time.

This morning (v cold, about 5 or 6 deg) the wife said it started eventually, and a mile or so down the road cut out completely but restarted ok and got to work ok. Slow to start again later on. This is easily the coldest day so far this winter. I'm going to drop another tenner of diesel in later.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks

I have an identical problem and am having the fuel filter replaced as we speak. I've been assured by a garage that it isn't a glow plug problem but more like a sensor in the fuel pump or and it could be quite costly. I'll let you know how I fare matey.

[mr mince]

It's possible that if there was damage to the filter housing that air is getting into the system which can make for an awkward start first thing in the morning.

[Sp00ny]

Ok took ages to start this morning, almost gave up. Ran fine for a couple of miles, and then at 60mph on the dual carriageway started to lose power, textbook fuel starvation, pulled into a layby and in neutral (manual) the revs dropped to about 500 and was very lumpy, i gave some throttle and it soon recovered and then ticked over fine. Waited a couple of minutes, seemed to be revving ok so carried on driving at up to 60mph no problems at all. I have since returned (15 miles) with no problems at all.

So i guess the glow plugs can be ruled out? How likely is it that if i have damaged something trying to get the fuel filter off last week it would cause this problem as well as the slow starting? Could it be some kind of electrical sensor in the fuelling system?

[lisboa]

when cold try to prime the pump on top of the filter housing .if solid then no air in the filter housing .if it pumps a few times before going hard then your filter is not seating right .

[Sp00ny]

Car has been stood for just over 5 hours, i've had the engine cover off and had to pump the filter 2 or 3 times before it went stiff It started ok, not 'normal' but far better than it has been.

Will try the same in the morning.

[leevor]

ounce vehicle is running if all fuel system fittings are tight loosen injector pipes on right hand top of motor do this one at a time motor will run rough retighten continue till all injectors are bled vehicle should be running smooth and even by now wash or wipe down fuel waste happy motoring

[coldeedy]

sounds like you have damaged the filter housing. air getting in will cause your problems. also could be split diaphragm inside housing..

[Sp00ny]

Originally Posted by leevor

ounce vehicle is running if all fuel system fittings are tight loosen injector pipes on right hand top of motor do this one at a time motor will run rough retighten continue till all injectors are bled vehicle should be running smooth and even by now wash or wipe down fuel waste happy motoring

Thanks, but sorry don't understand most of that. Is that a temporary or permanent fix?

Last 2 days i have been able to start fairly easily after priming the fuel filter, but a few minutes later (when the glow plugs turn off i guess?) it runs a bit lumpy and nearly cuts out (or does!).

Is it time to replace the filter housing? How much new, approx?

Thanks for help so far