Poor starting hdi

[markis42]

Can anyone help me with by 2002 Hdi. Over the last two winters the car has not started well on cold days [/size][/font]and appears lumpy at tickover until it has run for a short while. All glowplugs are ok and the control box and temperature sensor have been replaced.
These made no difference so I rigged up a manual switch to activate the glow plugs, sadly it did not work.
I recall seeing a couple of posts that say a new starter motor is the cure ,is this true and has anyone else had similar problem and come up with a solution?
Thanks

[Ol'Jeffers]

A new starter motor will do nothing for a 'lumpy' tick over.
I would be looking at the condition of the battery. If its being hammered during start up then the voltage will drop until
the alternator has put back enough charge to restore the voltage at the battery terminals to around 14.5v.
If the battery tests OK then look at the battery lead connectors and earth leads. What voltage do you have at the battery terminals
directly after starting from cold with the engine running?

[markis42]

Battery is new mate. I forgot to mention that she takes a fair bit of cranking and when it does start it seems as if it is not running on all four.I also get a good cloud of smoke.

[Ol'Jeffers]

OK. I'd still be checking the battery voltage with a meter at the battery terminals
looking for at least 14 volts. If it's any less than you can suspect a poor connection somewhere.
Have you had a diagnostic check to see if there are any fault codes stored. If there are codes they will
greatly help in isolating any problem.

[brodfather11]

Does it run OK after about ten mins. or so ? Once its het up a little?

[markis42]

Does it run OK after about ten mins. or so ? Once its het up a little?

It runs quite well after I let it tickover and clear for about 30 seconds or so.It just does not start as well as it used to.

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OK. I'd still be checking the battery voltage with a meter at the battery terminals
looking for at least 14 volts. If it's any less than you can suspect a poor connection somewhere.
Have you had a diagnostic check to see if there are any fault codes stored. If there are codes they will
greatly help in isolating any problem.

No fault codes at all just seems to be cold/damp weather thing.
Checked the whole lot so no idea at all.
Just remember seeing a post where someone said a new starter can solve these symptoms.

[markyr2k1]

Mine was taking longer to start and running a bit lumpy for the first few miles but after I swapped the fuel filter (after running far too low on fuel I think) it now starts like it used to and runs far better.

The job was simple BTW. 30mins for that and the air filter

[geoff]

I'd say the valve clearances need checking and probably resetting ( bet a pound they have closed up ).

[ron]

I'd say the valve clearances need checking and probably resetting ( bet a pound they have closed up ).

Hydraulic Geoff,not like your old tank.:wave::whistle:

[geoff]

I wish I had a business running a motor factors as I'd make a fortune just by selling starter motors, batteries and alternators as people seem to keep replacing these items when they have a starting problem.

Thank god for an internet Forum where people get the chance to not be ripped off !

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I'd say the valve clearances need checking and probably resetting ( bet a pound they have closed up ).

Hydraulic Geoff,not like your old tank.:wave::whistle:

That'll teach me to read the post properly with my own glasses on and not to use my wife's glasses !!!!

Hi Ron how are you doing, regards to your good lady :wave: