Glowplugs

[Guru Meditation]

I have a cold start problem with my new ZX TD. From cold it is difficult to start. Even if I wait for 20-30 secs after the preheat light on the instrument panel goes out it takes several attempts to start with me cranking on the starter till it catches then giving it some gas to keep it running. It also emits white smoke while doing this (not enough to cloud the road or anything but a reasonable amount). Once it has started and I pull away it idles perfectly and the smoke goes away. Starting from warm/hot it starts perfectly (at least so far) ie I don't touch the accelerator it starts within about two or three seconds of cranking and settles into a smooth idle immediately with no smoke. I am dreading it when the temperature plummets this weekend I won't be able to start the thing I have tried priming the pump before hand but it seemed to make no difference (gave it a good 15-30 secs of pumping) so hopefully it isn't the fuelling system (someone will tell me it is now, I'll bet ). Incidentally my preheat light goes out after <8seconds is this normal?
I was just wondering what are the quality of the Andyspares glowplugs? Everyone says 'make sure you use top quality plugs' are they any good?
I certainly hope it won't be a tricky problem to sort.
Thanks
Guru Meditation

[madman]

I think you will find that either you have a fuel leak (or air entering the fuel system somewhere) or that the glowplugs are past it.
I have had both and they give the same syptom.
Glow plugs are made by only a few firms and as long as you buy the correct 8 second ones they should last for about 50K miles. Be aware that CX plugs are the same physical size but use less power and require about 25 to 30 seconds of 'glow'. The time that the light stays on is determined by the control unit.
I fitted a BX control unit and BX plugs to my CX DTR Turbo 2 and found that it started just as well but in 8ish seconds instead of 30.

[assael1]

try to locate the pre heating relay(blak box with 4 pins conector and 2 termial) ask someone to turn switch,you have to hear 2 clicks ,one when relay energised (lighit came on),and after about 20 seconds the second click.if you knoe hoe to use multi meter chek voltge on plugs.if you hear the clicks and voltage messered[12v],replace the glowplugs.if voltage is not present and clicks heared .ruy to find open circuit or install short wire between the relay wide terminal and battary + terminal. if no clicks heared replce the relay and see if ok.if no go to citroen diller to chek conection beteen 'bitron'and relay. cheer.

[Dave Burns]

The plugs from A/s are usualy by Beru who are original equipment suppliers to many manufacturers, just make sure you order the correct ones for the turbo diesel.
Dave

[Guru Meditation]

Thanks for the replies guys, appreciate it. I will do some investigation at some point. Possibly not this weekend as I have my hands full. If all goes to plan (yeah right, like it ever does...) then I am going to do my timing belt myself tomorrow along with the auxillary drive belt (gotta come off anyway so I'll replace it). Also gonna fit new pads and discs. I also want to flush refill cooling system and change oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter etc. Got my frickin' hands full!
Never done a timing belt before but I've got access to a garage (only single), a fan heater (important this!!), good selection of tools and should I need it a f@cuk off sized compressor and selection of air tools. I've got my new timing belt (£22 from Citroen <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>), my m8 bolts to lock the cam and injection pump, my drill rod to put through the TDC hole in fly wheel, my new crankshaft pulley bolt. Think I'm all set just join me in a prayer that I don't find any oil leaks or coolant leaks when the timing covers come off...