1.9l DW8 advance solenoid sticking

[top drive]

hello guys

first problem ive had with this peugeot partner in 67k but my advance solenoid is sticking - it manifested its self pretty much straight after i replaced a knackered alternator with a direct part number replacement off a scrap vehicle but tested (and ive retested it since fitting) - the old one died by the diode pack failing and frying the alternator and a few bulbs and fuses....hence my concern about the ECU

i start the engine up and it fires straight off and idles at 850 RPM than as it warms up idles at 1100 rpm - previously it was the other way round - cold 1100 and warm 850
if when cold i gently tap the advance solenoid with a screw driver handle it starts no bother and idles correctly.

ive dug about on the internet and some folk say i need the ecu reprogrammed at a dealer as thats causing the sticking - others say the advance solenoid is dead and other even say that the control relay is dead (but im sure i can hear that clicking when i start - just unless i tap it there is no whirr from the solenoid)

so i figured id come to somewhere that is likely to know all there is to know about these vehicles for some guidance.

thanks guys

[top drive]

an it just gets better - drove to the bank to sign the line on my first house and true to form - if it can go wrong it will ....

the exhaust just split right behind the cat ....sounds more like a john deere than peugeot. Am i right in thinking i can just weld in a straight pipe in place of the cat and itll pass mot since a diesel just does a smoke test !

[spider]

It will pass without the cat, assuming the fuel system is OK. A Peugeot dealer will notice the lack of cat though, personally (just in my opinion) I'd use a non dealer for an MOT if you have removed it to be sure.

Regarding the main issue, there's a few things here:

Early engines had mechanical advances on the pump and no ECU (what little ECU there was, was for the EGR)

Later units had an electronic internal advance / retard for the injection timing.

Most (both types) also have post heating too, a microswitch or two on the control lever, this also effects the EGR.

In addition you'll have a waxstat cold start cable too, ensure this is actually working (taught when engine cold, a few mm slack when hot)

I don't think these DW8's had a cold start advance unit, usually only turbo engines have these (screwed into front of pump on Lucas units)

Is the solenoid in question accessible ?

I don't think its that somehow (I could be wrong) as it would run terribly and knock if the injection timing was wrong caused by that being faulty.

[top drive]

looks like that first image - only less rusty - fairly sure its a lucas pump

the solenoid i tapped is right on the front just below the pump under a rubber cup - with 2 rubber hoses going into it.

once i tapped it , there was then a buzz(solenoid sounding) when preheating that hasnt been there since alternator change.

kill engine and leave it then restart - no buzz , turn off ignition open bonnet , tap the solenoid = engine starts mint

logic says change solenoid but then having to reprogram ecu afterwards will just add to the cost.

i think ill have to go get the faults read or ill just be chasing my tail