Trouble Starting

[dsa78]

Hi all. today I had trouble starting my diesel 2005 Berlingo enterprise van. It normal starts on the button but today it took about 4 attempts to start.
I initially thought it maybe the battery but it didn't feel like that, I did get the battery tested and it was OK.
Im now thinking its a glow plug problem as I restarted the car from near cold later on in the day and the same (but not as severe) happened. I did a few stop/starts after this and it didn't happen, the engine was obviously warm. I always wait for the glow plug red light to go out.
So my questions are

1. How can I test the glow plugs and should all of them be changed instead of the duds?
2. Is it an easy procedure to change them and does anyone have a step by step idiot proof guide to do this? 
 
I have an old car which I do the mechanics on so pretty confident. 
Thanks in advance
David

[ron]

Hi all. today I had trouble starting my diesel 2005 Berlingo enterprise van. It normal starts on the button but today it took about 4 attempts to start.
I initially thought it maybe the battery but it didn't feel like that, I did get the battery tested and it was OK.
Im now thinking its a glow plug problem as I restarted the car from near cold later on in the day and the same (but not as severe) happened. I did a few stop/starts after this and it didn't happen, the engine was obviously warm. I always wait for the glow plug red light to go out.
So my questions are

1. How can I test the glow plugs and should all of them be changed instead of the duds?
2. Is it an easy procedure to change them and does anyone have a step by step idiot proof guide to do this? 
 
I have an old car which I do the mechanics on so pretty confident. 
Thanks in advance
David

You don't say which diesel you have but there is a thread about glow plug removal.Testing is with a resistance meter(0hms) individually,open circuit.If 1 is faulty,change them all.

[dsa78]

Its a 1.9

[Tomcat3]

How many miles has the van done and have the valves ever been adjusted?

[dsa78]

Mileage is 92k, Ive no idea re valve adjustment but its got a FSH.
I looked at youtube re how to test the glow plugs, it said to first check the voltage of battery and then put positive end of volt meter to battery and negative on glow plugs, if voltage is same they are ok, any difference indicates faulty plug.
So battery was 12.54v and plugs ranged from 12.58-12.60 so now Im assuming its not the plugs! Could it be the glow plug module which I think is on the N/S just below the air intake pipe?

Hope this makes sense??

[jj9]

To test the glow plug module (glow plug relay) put the positive end of the volt meter on the plugs, any one of the pugs will do as they are linked with a bus-bar or wire, put the negative of the voltmeter on the negative of the battery or any metal of the engine, you should get a voltage reading when the plugs come on (ignition).

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[ron]

How many miles has the van done and have the valves ever been adjusted?

Good thinking.He's at the mileage that valve clearances could be closed up.

[dsa78]

Ok I've done this and the reading was 12.13v. is this normal?

[rolf50]

Its a 1.9

I wouldn't think first on the glow plug system. The engine should start without them tile + 5°C. Had one with 3 broken plugs.
  It' s more likely a fuel or valve problem. It's always better having the clearance on the higher side. Check for air in the diesel pipes. Your 12.13v is good.

[jj9]

If you have voltage to the plugs from the glow plug relay and you have checked the plugs and they are ok it appears that the system is working ok.

Just a tip....
Personally I like to test power feeds with a test lamp rather than a volt meter, this is because you can have a voltage showing on a meter but there is no power behind it, you won't know this using a meter but you will with a test lamp!


Have you had any work done recently on the fuel system, like fuel filter?  

If nothing has been touched recently and the poor starting has just came about it could be the valve clearances that need adjusting.


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