non starting 1.9td

[isisalar]

Hi guys
The beast normally starts instantly from cold. This morning would almost catch but wouldn't fire up. A couple of squirts of esi start and it started and ran fine and started ok for the rest of the day. The battery seems fine.
First thought is obviously glow plugs.
I did replace the 3 accessible plugs less than 2 years ago, and haven't done more than 30,000 miles since.
IIRC I got them from a local factor. they were in an orangy yellow packet and had a name I recognised, possibly NGK. Would GSF stuff be more reliable?
Any thoughts anyone?

[citroenxm]

Deffo heater plugs... Unfortunally heater plugs can stop working at Any time and instantly.. They can do 30k, 60k or 5k... I put 3.sets in mums 306 td years ago in two months!

And its a myth the one behind the pump is inacessable.. A bit of forward thinking makes it soo much easyer to get at... Remove the water pipe thats above the plug making sure the expansion cap is on and tight.. You loose about an egg cupfull of water then the vaccum sets in and no more is lost.. Access is much improved with the pipe removed... I then use an 8mm spanner and a 12mm dog leg spanner to get at the plug.. Then a magnet.. Nice..

Paul

[Xaccers]

I found coming at the one behind the pump via the fuel filter end of the pump (ie around the whole back of the pump) rather than trying to get to it directly dead easy to do.
The right glow plugs are important, some people have been sold the wrong ones before and they can't cope with the long after glow that the 1.9TD uses so burn out quickly.
Could also be blocked fuel filter not liking the cool weather, when did you last change it?

[citroenxm]

No id say it is deffo plugs.. As he says it runs fine all day after starting... An xud will start ok on two plugs when warm but never when cold..
If the filter was blocked there would be continuous running problems...

[isisalar]

Fun weekend ahead then!
Any advice on the best plugs to get?
Thanks
Paul

[jgra1]

I get through them as a hobby but I tend to stick second hand one's in,,,

that plug on the end.. i have had good luck with a spanner behind those two metal injection pipes.. it's now my preferred method. you only get a small twist, but the spanner gets a good trajectory, and if you are lucky the plug will be finger tight ...


John

[MTND]

No id say it is deffo plugs.....

Has it done a high mileage, as could it be low compression?

Mark

[DickieG]

Any advice on the best plugs to get?

Beru is generally the preferred make, available from GSF.

To get the awkward plug out I use an "offset ring spanner", works a treat.

[isisalar]

This topic seems to have gone from the main board, lets hope this reply revives it.
As time was of the essence I returned to the factors and bought another 3 ngk plugs fitted them and car started 1st turn of the key. Sorted, for as long as I envisage keeping the car.
As a point of interest the plugs cost £6 e@. Is this normal?
Whilst I had all the plumbing off I repaired the split induction hose downstream of the filter and the car seems to run a lot sweeter than it did?
Thanks
Paul

[CitroJim]

Good stuff Paul Pleased all is good again...

[isisalar]

Thanks Jim,
Did I get a bargain on the plugs?
Thanks
Paul

[citroenxm]

I knew it was plugs from what you said.. Yes i think i pay around 6 quid a plug so that should bring good qualitiy plugs..

NGK or bosch own etc...

Paul