2003 2.0 HDI Poor Cold Starting

[Norfolkboy]

Hi all.  Old faithful is struggling again.  I upgraded the starter motor 18 months ago and have just fitted the highest rated battery that I could find.  She starts but, after standing for a couple of days, takes about 20 seconds turning over.  Longer the colder it gets.  I read some time ago that the HDI ECU required the engine to be turning over on the starter at a certain rpm and the fuel pressure to achieve a certain value before the ECU would allow start.  This was an anti pollution measure?  Can anyone confirm this and does anyone know of a chip (or a mod) that will bypass these parameters?

[Sol]

No, but it sounds more like the fuel is draining back to the tank on standing, or air is getting in. Cold temps could be shrinking o rings around the fuel filter. Have you checked if pumping the primer bulb on top of the engine makes it start quicker when it's been sat?

[Norfolkboy]

No, but it sounds more like the fuel is draining back to the tank on standing, or air is getting in. Cold temps could be shrinking o rings around the fuel filter. Have you checked if pumping the primer bulb on top of the engine makes it start quicker when it's been sat?

Good call. I was thinking weak fuel pump but, come to think of it, when I  changed the battery , I did pump the primer.  (Have to really don't you?).  Tomorrows experiment. New fuel  filter housing now on the list. Still sure that that I read something about revs  and pressure though.

[Sol]

You might have read that, as there is a requirement for cranking rpm and fuel pressure before starting can occur, but it can't be circumvented.

Something like 580 rpm and 190 bar fuel pressure required while cranking, but it's because the diesel engine uses compression ignition....not enough cylinder compression or lower fuel pressure to the injectors both mean no bang. It's nothing to do with emissions.