Citroen dispatch 2l hdi non starter (veg/bio probably used)

[jambo1uk]

Yep just had a local mechanic have a look and he thinks it may have jumped a tooth as it's so close to going and with that being slack (he did say about the water pump) thanks for all the help everyone I'll keep you all posted on how it goes

[Hell Razor5543]

As I said before, fingers crossed.

[jambo1uk]

Just a quick question if I put the bits in the holes and it all lines up OK that would mean it hasn't jumped a tooth is that right?

[Paul-R]

...but timing belt is loose so need to replace that now

That could be a big ouch moment if the valves have been shaking hands with the pistons.

[Hell Razor5543]

If the valves have impacted the pistons it may not be as bad as in the past. Whether by design or by accident, the weakest part in this chain are the rocker arms, and they probably would fail before anything else would. Replacement rockers are not that expensive. This is the first set I found on e-bay;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CITROEN-C4-C5 ... Nf0_GZbafA

[jambo1uk]

Timing belt replaced all lines up on pins as should be still won't fire can anyone say what the bits are to get it going minimum rpm (cranking speed boost pressure etc all I have to test is delphi diagnostic so far it reads
Engine speed 160 rpm
Air mass 182mg per stroke
Fuel pressure measured 289 bar
Overboost pressure measured 965 millibar
Target Overboost pressure 1246 millibar

Any ideas?

[Bick]

Jambo look at my first post its your first port of call then go from there.

[jambo1uk]

I don't know what is fast enough that's why I'm asking I have a spare starter from the donor van I can try but I'm a bit blind without knowing the minimum crank speed? If that makes sense

As it is with a good battery it sounds OK although I know that may not be enough speed

[myglaren]

This is pretty typical to slow. Ideally should spin a bit faster.



The ones at -24º & -26º don't sound too encouraging

[Mandrake]

An engine speed 160rpm sounds too low to me for it to start. If you use the forum search I'm sure the minimum cranking speed of the HDI engines is discussed at least once before.

[Mandrake]

Here are a few links:

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 4&start=15

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... &start=135

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=49866

I just searched for "HDI cranking rpm". A post from "BX" in the first thread suggests that 200 bar pressure and 200 rpm is the minimum to start for the 2.0 HDI.

If its a manual have you tried push starting it ? (Assuming you have a couple of people to help you or another car with a tow rope to get you back to where you started if unsuccessful ) If you can get it to start with a push start or down a hill that would point towards a slow crank speed as the problem, which is sometimes a faulty starter.

[jambo1uk]

Thankyou I'll have a read now looks promising then that it could be this stopping it

[jambo1uk]

Tried 2 different starters today one span at 120-160 the other 160 rpm same boost pressures there or there abouts so head scratching time dam it

[jambo1uk]

Right changed crankshaft sensor one on the gearbox this has made a difference now it sounds like it wants to go more and crank speed is upto 360 ish so where do I go from here any ideas please getting desperate to get this on the road wife has about 2 weeks before she needs to state a business vehicle on insurances etc

[white exec]

Apologies if already suggested, but if cranking speed is down (even with a new battery), then do take a look at the battery main connections. If they are original lead (Pb) lumps, these lose their grip on the copper strands of the cable over time, and are a source of resistance. A quick check for this is to crank the engine for 15 secs, then cautiously feel each battery connector with your hand. If at all warm (could even be hot - careful!), then it's a poor connection. Cut off the Pb lump, clean up the strands (they may be black and oxidised) and replace with new, brass, clamp-type connectors.



Good idea to do this anyway if you have Pb lumps, and a car getting on in years. Check also the ground connection for the battery, and the engine.

A poor set of battery connections will also affect the efficiency of the glow-plugs. They will be struggling to draw around 40-50A between them, at the same time that the starter motor is drawing a few hundred more.

Don't forget to check out the glow-plugs themselves, which could have had a hard time (apparently) if veg has been used. Are they all working, and getting a decent supply? Glow-plug relays can acquire poor connections, too, over time. Clean up.

Sorry if this has already been covered or done.