Cold non starting

[Fagin]

Have been having problems starting in the cold. I have just put a new battery on, but it just wont fire until the temperature warms up, (around midday), suspect glow plugs may be dodgy but would welcome any info on anything i may have missed, and how big a job is it to check / replace the plugs if that is the problem.

[MrMPuk]

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2676

[Jim H]

Don't know what your van is Fagin but mines a 1998 190 with a 85hp turbo Di fitted. It would not start this morning. After cranking over slowly as if the battery was flat I noticed a little smoke witch turned out to be coming from the main battery positive lead that goes to the starter motor. Seeing as these leads (the big earth from battery to engine block aswell) are twelve years old I desided to replace them & after doing so have found it cranks over at full pelt and starts fine. Worth checking, all the best, Jim.

[langleymodels]

Take care if you replace glow plugs, as they have a tendancy to snap in the block normally requiring the engine removal for drill and tap (I know nits just happen with a £1000 bill. Soak well with plus gas or WD40 to ease removal. I have the same problem with cold start but have been told it may be the tensioner onn the timing chain.

[ginsambo]

The smoke from the leads is just the massive current required by the starter to start an engine with old, cold and therefore extremely vicous oil burning off the crap or any insulating tape etc. New leads would make a difference I guess. My tipper ram takes an age to retract in this weather, which would give you an indication of the state of the oil in the engine. Actually at the tip, its embarassing. The later smaller starters fitted in later Transits aren't up to the job and haven't got the torque I reckon in the extreme cold weather. Also you might lose a bit of compression in the cold with an old engine until it warms up and add to that the diesel is colder and thicker and needs more energy to compress to ignition. I should have done a service before it got this cold (Oil change, Fuel filter etc.) but it will start if its left under a tree overnight so whos bothered. Leave a blanket over it overnight.

[Jim H]

I'd just like to say that my leads must have been knackered cos befor it cranked over like it had a flat battery and now it goes over like a CBR400. PS If we're talking about 2.5 DI engines, there aint no glow plugs

[richycarpets]

iv got the same problem with my p plate (bannana engeine)iv been puttin a small electric heater under the bonnet for 10min before i start it in mornins works a treat