1.5 D AX difficult to start

Jshodgson · Post by **Jshodgson** » 27 Nov 2005, 16:54

My brother has a 1.5D AX (N) and during the recent cold weather it has started to struggle to start. It takes 3 attempts before starting. The glow plugs are fine but the car had to be fitted with a new fuel filter as the previous owner had bypassed the filter when a hose broke.

We've stuck some redex in it, any other ideas?

fatboyslimfast · Post by **fatboyslimfast** » 27 Nov 2005, 20:10

Does the engine sound as if it has no compression? Incorrect valve clearances are common on this engine causing poor starting. Its not too bad to check them but we use a special compresion tool to get the shims out.

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » 27 Nov 2005, 20:34

Is air getting in the fuel? sometimes use of the hand primer will improve things and this probably meand air. Check everything very carefully. If you have a Bosch pump the leakoff pipes should be checked as well, but those on a Roto-diesel pump make no difference.

It may help to replace the last feed pipe to the pump with plastic so you can see the bubbles (and know when you have found the source).

have you got the black plastic filter/heat exchanger? If so a thermostat at the bottom can leak. There is a detailed post on this problem on this board.

Post by **Peter.N.** » 28 Nov 2005, 21:33

What is the condition of the battery, is it turning over as quickly as it used to?

Jshodgson · Post by **Jshodgson** » 29 Nov 2005, 18:54

It has a brand new battery.

JohnT · Post by **JohnT** » 29 Nov 2005, 19:12

You probably have the right new battery, but it should have around 495 amps plus power. I have seen many starting problems with low amp batteries being fitted to economise and they do not have the necessary cranking power. Perhaps this is an obvious suggestion but it does catch people out.