205 DIESEL difficult cold start

woodhead722 · Unread post by **woodhead722** » 11 Dec 2009, 22:44

Seems to be air leak. Squeezing primer bulb until firm sorts out, then starts 1-2 turns.

However today needed 2 priming attempts.

If this is the case, is the air leak likely to be on the filter/pump/injector side of the priming bulb ............or fuel tank side?

Thanks!!

(Heater plugs OK checked 3, 1 rather inaccessible.)

evilally · Unread post by **evilally** » 12 Dec 2009, 12:46

The filter housing on the XUD is notorious, lots to leak there. The primer bulb is also known to perish. I usually put in a length of clear pipe so I can see if there are any air bubbles. You can then check for air between primer and filter, and between filter and pump.

Another method I've used is to fit a tyre valve to the end of the fuel line and put it under a little pressure. Then listen for any air escaping.

woodhead722 · Unread post by **woodhead722** » 12 Dec 2009, 21:28

Thanks for that.

I would have tought that the leak MAY be close to the injectors.

If the priming bulb is used (with success) it will not take many turns to start the engine.

To an amateur like myself this SUGGESTS the air is close to the engine.

Would you agree?

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 12 Dec 2009, 21:53

Is this on a Lucas pump Mr. Woodhead?

They don't normally suffer as badly as the Bosch does from perished leakoff pipes due to the internal architecture of the pump. However, it is possible that a perish in the fuel return line back to the tank is causing the pump level to fall.

I agree that the leak is fairly near the engine. best way of all, and it's easy on a 205, is to substitute the pipe between the filter head and the pump with a length of translucent pipe. This should stay full all the time the engine is off.

A leak at or around the filter housing will cause the pipe to empty and the fuel level in the pump to fall as it flows down the return. Fuel stays in the pump at a good level due to the partial vacuum formed in the supply line holding it there.

What sort of fuel filter is on your 205? If it has the older all-metal bulkhead mounted cartridge filter, these are notorious for splitting the priming diaphragm below the primer button and letting air in.

The newer type, the ones that look like a gasholder on the thermostat housing can leak air around the while fuel heater 'stat at the bottom and also the primer bulb can perish and let air in.

Whatever is the cause, the translucent pipe will reveal all.

woodhead722 · Unread post by **woodhead722** » 13 Dec 2009, 10:27

Hi Jim

Lucas pump, and the black plastic filter holder (4 screws in corners to remove lid).
I noticed there is a leak off pipe weeping slightly, so I've just replaced this.
Again, this morning's pattern was start 1st time then pack up within 2-3 secs.
Prime bulb 'til firm, starts slightly rough then OK.
Suprised to feel the bulb limp once the engine was running.

Thanks for help, will try and get some clear tube.

Steve

woodhead722 · Unread post by **woodhead722** » 19 Dec 2009, 21:59

New leak-off tube has cured problem.

Thanks for your tips!

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 19 Dec 2009, 22:02

Excellent stuff

Very pleased to hear it!

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 19 Dec 2009, 22:15

The Prime bulb will go soft with the engine running, as its drawing fuel, thebulb only goes hard when it cant push fuel any further..

Nice to hear of a Late 205 DERV, I didn't think the 205 ever got the Filter on Thermostat mod, which was the best mod Pug did to the XUD..

I guess shes a 3 door too

Paul

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 19 Dec 2009, 22:52

Not sure when it came in on the 205 Paul. L plate I fancy. Very late at any rate as I've seen K platers with the old bulkhead filter.

Dad's M plate had the new filter but strangely it had the vintage vee-belt driven PAS pump on the gearbox, the one that Noah had on his 205...

I always suspected that late 205s were a bit of a mish-mash to use up old stock...

Still jolly good little cars though. Dad bitterly regrets parting with his... His was a three door!

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 20 Dec 2009, 09:56

Jim,

ALL 205's right up to the end P plates had the old Cam driven PAS Pumps, if you think about it, there was NO space down below for the PAS Pump, and were would you put the resoviour??

Have you seen the C plate FIRST edition, GRD on the Ebay, 53k??

Amazing, I WANT it! 205 D

Ithink MOST late 1995, 96 and 97 models are 3 door because if they over produced the GTi shell, and had to get them sold, the only way after the GTi was killed and the 5 door was to DERV them as they stil sold..

Paul

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 20 Dec 2009, 14:19

I'd so love to have that 205!

woodhead722 · Unread post by **woodhead722** » 24 Dec 2009, 15:42

citroenxm wrote:Nice to hear of a Late 205 DERV, I didn't think the 205 ever got the Filter on Thermostat mod, which was the best mod Pug did to the XUD..

I guess shes a 3 door too

Paul

Got a shock for you - 5 door with front EW. 82,000 miles.

Nothing else except dents!

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 24 Dec 2009, 16:03

OH WOW!

That IS a shock, Low miles is rare on a 205, EW? Have you CL and PAS too??

Nice car by the sounds of it..

Paul

woodhead722 · Unread post by **woodhead722** » 25 Dec 2009, 19:56

PAS yes
C/L unfortunately not!