Ford Transit Glow Plugs. Cold starting

[Only4Wheels]

Hi,

I have a Ford Transit 1997 Turbo Diesel. I'm not sure if it is a VG model or not. Is there a way to find out? The engine is a 4EBV?
Does this model have glow plugs? The manual says it does, but a mechanic can't locate them. The manual seems to be written for a number of models so perhaps mine doesn't. I have never seen a glow plug light luminate.

I have occasionally been having trouble starting the car where it cranks over slowly, speeds up and then starts, especially when cold. Today it started within 1 second, it was a warm day, so it is random. It is cold here at the moment and the only thing the manual advised is to depress the clutch and accelerator fully to start in cold weather. Also to wait until the glow plug light goes out (it says it laminates if it is under 10deg c).
Any thoughts?

[Altransit]

None of the Di engines have glow plugs, just the later TDDi and TDCI engines fitted from year 2000 onwards (Mk6 Mk7).
There are a few models of yours (Mk5) equipped with a flame start, but that was for colder climates, so I don't think that you qualify

[ake]

As said they never ever had glow plugs.

Your problems sound more like either a tired starter, tired battery, bad battery or earth lead connection or sh*t mechanic.

How olds the timing belt?

[Only4Wheels]

How olds the timing belt?

The timing belt is 60k old with 40k to go before next replacement.

Thanks for the starting tips.

I replaced the battery which has helped. But I think that the old one wore out due to excessive cranking at times.
Once doing that and taking more notice of the starting. I have had some instances where the engine was warm and in some cases it starts within 1 second, other times within 15 seconds. The sound of the starting seems as strong each time. So I am thinking of ruling out electrical or starting issues.
I'm no mechanic but it is almost as if it is taking time to pump the diesel into the engine and other times it is available right away. Because the cranking seems fine

[Only4Wheels]

None of the Di engines have glow plugs, just the later TDDi and TDCI engines fitted from year 2000 onwards (Mk6 Mk7).
There are a few models of yours (Mk5) equipped with a flame start, but that was for colder climates, so I don't think that you qualify

Thank You

[bambi mk 1]

How olds the timing belt?

The timing belt is 60k old with 40k to go before next replacement.

Thanks for the starting tips.

I replaced the battery which has helped. But I think that the old one wore out due to excessive cranking at times.
Once doing that and taking more notice of the starting. I have had some instances where the engine was warm and in some cases it starts within 1 second, other times within 15 seconds. The sound of the starting seems as strong each time. So I am thinking of ruling out electrical or starting issues.
I'm no mechanic but it is almost as if it is taking time to pump the diesel into the engine and other times it is available right away. Because the cranking seems fine

You need to change the t belt now .Belts had a habit in breaking before the change interval of 50 k I changed many at 30 k and some didn't even make it that far A new Ford, Dayco belt (same thing ) will do 50 k plus easily Actually never seen one break I always left the old the original tensioner in place too Modified one is too flimsy imo.Ps 50 k= miles

[Only4Wheels]

I forgot to mention I was talking kilometres not miles so 60k miles is about 100k kilometres which is what the handbook says is the timing belt service interval.

[Jim Archer]

How old is said belt? There's a revised service mileage and time period.

Jim

[ake]

My Epic broke genuine belts twice, both well before 50k miles
They are also known to stretch. Lots of Epic problems come back to the timing belt