Violent bump on cold strting (Xantia Hdi)

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rmunns
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Joined: 09 Jul 2009, 22:09
Location: Southern Dordogne, France
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In the past: Renault 16 (in about 1977, for a year). With front pass. seat out transported full bathroom suite from Cambridge to Derby!)
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x 9

Post by rmunns »

Thanks.

And thanks, Xantia V6 - no offence intended of course - it's just easier for me to check and eliminate the glowplugs than to struggle with engine mounts.

I have to say, I do, however, agree that an engine mount is the culprit but just maybe the battery which really struggles when T = minus 6deg. C or so. If it hasn't caught by the fourth churn I let it rest with ignition off. Then try again, it catches first go then.

BTW I have seen mention that after a few seconds (10?) the glowplug power is automatically turned off. So no avantage in 'letting them really get warm' by leaving ignition on longer than that?
Xantidote
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Joined: 03 May 2009, 22:07
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Post by Xantidote »

Glowplugs In-situ testing:

That's an interesting test using a 55w bulb, suggested by Dieselnutjob :)

Yes, you can measure in-situ by checking the resistance of each glowplug, after disconnecting the feed wire. I do this to check that at least each glowplug is taking the correct current. A good glowplug , from all the measurements I've done, should have a resistance of 1/2 to 1 ohm.

With such a low resistance, there should be no problem lighting up a 55w (approx 4-5 amps) headlamp bulb placed in series with the glowplug, as a glowplug will draw approx 18 amps initially (on my XUD), falling to 10-12 amps as it heats up.
Martin

1995 Xantia TDLX (deceased :( )
HDI Dave
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Re: Violent bump on cold strting (Xantia Hdi)

Post by HDI Dave »

rmunns wrote:I am getting a violent bump on cold starting. So that's every morning. Afterthe first start of the day future starts are OK.
Sounds like a classic glow plug issue to me.

Although it could I suppose be both, struggling with a duff glow plug on first startup making the mount bump more pronounced :?
1999 Xantia LX 2.0 HDI 110 Rusteration project...
rmunns
Posts: 611
Joined: 09 Jul 2009, 22:09
Location: Southern Dordogne, France
My Cars: 2019 C5 Aircross 2litre diesel, auto.
2018 C4 Pic2 Spacetourer auto. Seems nice so far.
2019 C4 Cactus manual. Didn't like it, lots of niggling points. sold.
2011 C4 Picasso excl. - shaping up to be a disaster, bought June 2019. P/X'd
2009 Citroen C5 X7 exclusive, auto, LHD, 207500km (129000miles) now sold
Citroen Xsara Picasso excl. 2004 2.0 Hdi, RHD, 64000miles. (sold)
Citroen C3 Picasso excl. 2016. sold.
Two Xantias, one petrol, one diesel. sold.

In the past: Renault 16 (in about 1977, for a year). With front pass. seat out transported full bathroom suite from Cambridge to Derby!)
Renault 4TL (in 2011, for a year)
x 9

Post by rmunns »

Update:

took car to Citroen dealer (a 'mini dealer' in France - nearly all towns have one) and they have diagnosed it's a battery problem.

So one is on order. Will keep you informed.
rmunns
Posts: 611
Joined: 09 Jul 2009, 22:09
Location: Southern Dordogne, France
My Cars: 2019 C5 Aircross 2litre diesel, auto.
2018 C4 Pic2 Spacetourer auto. Seems nice so far.
2019 C4 Cactus manual. Didn't like it, lots of niggling points. sold.
2011 C4 Picasso excl. - shaping up to be a disaster, bought June 2019. P/X'd
2009 Citroen C5 X7 exclusive, auto, LHD, 207500km (129000miles) now sold
Citroen Xsara Picasso excl. 2004 2.0 Hdi, RHD, 64000miles. (sold)
Citroen C3 Picasso excl. 2016. sold.
Two Xantias, one petrol, one diesel. sold.

In the past: Renault 16 (in about 1977, for a year). With front pass. seat out transported full bathroom suite from Cambridge to Derby!)
Renault 4TL (in 2011, for a year)
x 9

Post by rmunns »

It was the battery!

I can't fathom out why and just what was happening.

Certainly the battery was struggling on cold mornings but I think I would have been able to manage through to the spring. That is,except for the frightening 'bump'.

New, proper-sized battery fitted last night (previous owner had had a smaller battery fitted {although it was a Varta, good quality}).

This morning..............................NO bump on starting.
Xantidote
Posts: 1146
Joined: 03 May 2009, 22:07
Location: Merseyside
My Cars:
x 5

Post by Xantidote »

"NO bump on starting"

Not quite bump starting in the conventional sense :lol:

Excellent news - pity you had to buy new battery with spring on the way (we hope!)
Martin

1995 Xantia TDLX (deceased :( )
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