205 Diesel Misfire

sponix · Unread post by **sponix** » 04 Nov 2003, 15:14

205 Diesel, when first started the car sometimes misfires with a puff of whiteish smoke from the rear. If you rev it a bit the misfire clears and the car runs as normal.
The initial thought was a duff glow plug. However, have checked the glow plugs with a current probe and all are drawing current. Also, the glowplugs get slightly warm if you switch the ignition on/off a few times. However, I have not yet removed the glow plugs for a look.
Is it possible for a glow plug to fail in such a way that it still heats up/draws current but causes a misfire?
What other things could cause a misfire on starting?

nicksuch · Unread post by **nicksuch** » 04 Nov 2003, 23:14

see my thread !! air geting into a hose somewhere

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 04 Nov 2003, 23:53

Before starting, pump up the fuel either on the handpump or button, depending which fuel filter you have. When the pump feels solid, try starting. If things show improvement, you have a slight leakage of air into the fuel lines.

sponix · Unread post by **sponix** » 05 Nov 2003, 15:48

I'll check it out!
Is there a common point of failure on the fuel line or is it a case of checking it carefully?

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 05 Nov 2003, 23:25

The banjo unions on the filter is a good place to start. Maybe some new copper washers each side.

sponix · Unread post by **sponix** » 06 Nov 2003, 15:42

I have had a quick look and can't find and obvious leaks. Anything else that'd cause a misfire on starting?

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 06 Nov 2003, 23:30

You probably won't find any signs of diesel leaking out - that's what makes it such a s--- of a job. Where the leak is, air will go in but diesel won't necessarily come out. When you switch off the engine, the fuel falls back towards the tank, causing a slight vacuum and the air is sucked in to fill the space.

sponix · Unread post by **sponix** » 13 Nov 2003, 18:34

Replaced the jubilee clips, inspected the pipes and replaced the fuel filter. It seems to have improved things so just a case of wait and see now!
Thanks for the replies!