bad starting

[robn]

first post for me, had a search around but could not find anything.

mk1 van 2000 w reg 1900 diesel,

ran fine for the first 18 months, trouble starting last winter new glow plugs fitted as one was not working and new starter motor fitted, now this years problem with the colder mornings i need to turn the ignition of and off 4 times then try to start the van is blowing blue smoke from the exhaust when trying to start then when it starts its blowing clouds and lumpy running, if i leave it for a min or two it then runs fine no smoke good tick over and is fine all day. even parked at work for 8 hours it then starts and runs fine.

is there some sort of fuel enrichment for cold starts thats going wrong ????

cheers
rob n

[adam3rdcanvey]

Hi mate could be many things....

Air in fuel system... try priming before starting,
Valve clearances.... need adjustment at around 120 000
Cold start thermostat... cable operated... runs from thermostat housing to fuel pump. cable at fuel pump should be tight on starting causing lever to be engaged on fuel pump
Duff battery....
Head gasket..... any oil in coolant, or visa versa.
Voltage not reaching glow plugs.....
This will start you off!!

[ron]

Adam has pretty well covered it,I would add glow plug relay/timer.