1.9d Hard starting

Unread post by **Old-Guy** » 07 Jan 2009, 10:50

Long ago, when ultra-low-sulphur diesel first appeared and there were problems reported with some cheap fuels that had marginal Cetane numbers, inadequate fuel lubrication for some injection systems and poor detergency, somebody (I can't remember who) published some research which concluded that only fuel brands that were 'good' for long term use in any diesel were BP, Esso, Shell, Texaco. Shell came out top.

Since then I've bought ordinary Shell from one of the 2 filling stations left locally (the other is currently Pace). The Shell station has always been as cheap (within fractions of a penny) as anywhere for miles around, but it shut in November for some weeks for a complete re-build (I kid you not). Meantime, I've mostly had to buy Pace and tepid restarts (1.9TD) have been more reluctant than ever before. Yesterday lunchtime, she really didn't want to restart after 30 minutes in the supermarket car park despite the brisk 10 mile run before. The Shell station is due to re-open next week so I will be interested to see if 'decent' fuel makes any difference next cold snap - I really hope so.

The logo on a road tanker off-loading is no indication of what the fuel is. Refiners (the major oil companies) blend fuel to each major customer's requirements. The tankers delivering fuel are operated by transport companies, probably under contract to the refiner. The contract may state that tankers are to be in the customer's (e.g.Tesco's) livery. But when there's a problem, the fleet manager may have to allocate the a tanker in another livery - though a Tesco tanker delivering to Sainsburys might cause some grief!

BryanB's last post beat me to it!

Guy

BryanB · Unread post by **BryanB** » 20 Dec 2010, 14:48

Hello again, I'm back with exactly the same problem as 2 yrs ago. I know how to deal with it, but is 2 yrs about the expected life of glowplugs (set of 4 NGK) Is there a better brand? Are they all similar? Getting to them on the 1.9d Berlingo is a pain so wouldn't mind paying extra if there are better quality ones around.
This problem may prevent us picking up Mother in law for Christmas, mixed feelings on that!

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 20 Dec 2010, 15:14

No, I dont think 2 years is bad at all, Certainly if you do a lot of engine off engine on work, as every time you switch the ignition on to start the engine the plugs light up.

So I think 2 years is fine.

Paul

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 20 Dec 2010, 15:16

I changed mine in 2004 and they still mostly work

, I'll admit one is definitely (nearly) dead now. I used to do a lot of short journeys too, and on mine they are always energized when switching on it does not have the feature later ones have (where they are not used if its hot)

Mine were from the (now closed) Bosch agent. I hear Beru are good alternatives. On other peoples vehicles, I've always got from the main dealer rather than a factor to avoid any possible comeback if they were not up to the job.

BryanB · Unread post by **BryanB** » 20 Dec 2010, 16:12

Thanks for both replies, although they are somewhat at odds.
Things are just about dismantled now, (snow stopped play) Hopefully there will be a window of opportunity tomorrow.
I still have 2 of the originals that I removed in 2009, NGK in good physical condition and ring out OK on the meter. Would you chance re-fitting them?

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 20 Dec 2010, 16:40

BryanB wrote: I still have 2 of the originals that I removed in 2009, NGK in good physical condition and ring out OK on the meter. Would you chance re-fitting them?

Ideally no, but if you want to, you should test them.

Do not rely on a resistance check. They can get odd faults such as slow warm up time and glowing in the middle.

Test them in a vice (usual precautions against being burned and high current etc)

BryanB · Unread post by **BryanB** » 20 Dec 2010, 17:42

Yes, Thanks Spider, should have said I tested them straight across the battery when I removed them. They heated evenly and quickly, which was why I decided to keep them as spares.