Slow cold start

[Hanatarash]

Hi,

This is about our '99 Mk 5 2.5DI banana engine (non turbo).

We've been having some issues with 'cold' starting recently. When starting the engine for the first time, even if it's a hot day like today (25C), it will take the engine a good 5-10 seconds before it starts. I can hear the starter turning the engine over quite slowly and then all of a sudden it will catch on, so to speak.

At first I thought it was the battery, which I replaced. The problem remains.

It only occurs on the first start of the day. Once the van has been fired up once it will start up immediately on every following startup. After sitting for a day or more the problem will occur again.

Is this as straightforward as a faulty starter which needs to be replaced/repaired or could it be something else?

Cheers

[Altransit]

Cleaning up all of the terminals on to the battery and starter motor is a good starting point (and free), but my money is on the starter being old, lazy, and consuming too many amps. Again, if you're a bit handy, you can dismantle and clean it, fit new brushes etc, that may be all that it needs.

[Chug]

Sounds like the starter, but do as Al said above and also try some jump leads direct from battery to starter to check if its a wiring problem, wires get old and fail to pass the correct power.

[Hanatarash]

Cheers, thought it might be the wiring.

Can I easily access the starter from the top or do I need to access it from underneath the van?

I'm on holiday right now, so will try this when we get back.