BX Diesel starting problems

beemernut · Post by **beemernut** » 07 Sep 2006, 10:16

Got a problem starting the BX - starter motor turns but the engine will not fire up. Glowplugs and filter have been replaced, I primed the filter whilst trying to start this morning. Engine turns over, will not start and the sound whilst the starter was turning over was different to the normal sound when it would start.

Any idea what the cause is?

Many thanks

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 07 Sep 2006, 10:34

Do some simple checks :

Check there is voltage present on your shining new glow plugs. They need power you know

Sit down by your dining table - with a pen and paper. Then think-think-think-think-think-think : what did you dismantle to change those glowplugs ? Write it down - every single word valid for the process.
Then check all bits related.

Its unbelieveable how many new problems we introduce when we solve one problem as diy'ers

beemernut · Post by **beemernut** » 07 Sep 2006, 11:05

When I changed the glowplugs, there was a slight improvement in starting, but starting the engine required the engine to be cranked for a short period of time. This has worked, but occasionally the starter motor would not turn at all when the engine was hot.

Could it be a problem with the glowplug black box (by the battery)?

My wife said that there was a noise upon starting last night before the engine stalled and wouldn't restart - this is when the engine would turn over but not start

Stinkwheel · Post by **Stinkwheel** » 07 Sep 2006, 11:09

My wife said that there was a noise upon starting last night before the engine stalled and wouldn't restart - this is when the engine would turn over but not start

Oh dear, maybe.

You now say the thing doesnt sound the same when turning over? Has the cam belt snapped?

Post by **Peter.N.** » 07 Sep 2006, 11:15

My thoughts exactly. Is the engine turning over much faster and more smoothly than it was?

Post by **RichardW** » 07 Sep 2006, 12:19

Or has the alternator seized? This happened on my BX TD and it stalled the engine, and refused to start until the belt was disconnected - it would turn over, but not fast enough to start the engine.

beemernut · Post by **beemernut** » 07 Sep 2006, 12:49

The car (untilyesterday) has been running fine apart from the odd time when the starter had seized temporarily due to heat.

The change in noise is as if the starter is turning slightly slower and you do not get the feedback of the engine just as it is about to try to catch. That is why I thought the car had an air block in the fuel line - it just turned over and would not start catching

From memory there has not been any noises that I would expect from the cam belt going (the crash of pistons against valves). The engine seems to be turning over in the normal fashion.

bxbodger · Post by **bxbodger** » 07 Sep 2006, 13:49

So the engine is turning over normally- Have you checked the cut-off solenoid on the pump? i don't know what your pump is, but on a Bosch one it's easily visible on top at the opposite end to the sprocket, with a (usually) brown wire going to it. I'm not sure where it is on a Lucas pump, however.

It's what stops your engine running when you turn it off and if this isn't working properly, fuel won't get pumped through and it won't start. it may also be intermittent.......

First check-hot wire it directly from the battery with a length of wire and see if that makes a difference to starting. If it does, then you've probably got a fault in the 'ignition' (for want of a better word) circuit.

They also easily come out so you can do a physical eyeball check that they are working by connecting to the battery and earthing.

Easily and cheaply available if the thing is busted!!

Post by **Peter.N.** » 07 Sep 2006, 15:18

I think the CAV one is the same..... Is there any exhaust smoke when the engine is turning over? If not, there is no fuel going in.. see above..if you have white smoke the fuel is going in but not burning which could mean duff glow plugs or too slower cranking speed... battery?

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 07 Sep 2006, 21:43

Have you checked out the stop solenoid? It may be that the fuse has blown to it or the cable has snapped.
No power to the solenoid means no start

Paul

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 07 Sep 2006, 22:29

may be the cam belt has jumpt a couple of teeth,i would check the cam belt timing,or maybe even the starter motor brushes are worn out
regards malcolm

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