Over the last 8 or 9 months, The Green lady has suffered 3 starting-related problems:
- 1. After the cam-belt jumping a tooth had been sorted, I noticed the engine was noticeably clattery on one cylinder until she warmed up http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 02#p419802
2. Starting became more reluctant though the starter spins her over as well as ever Xantia 1.9TD splutters into life
3. I've been unable to fix another elusive air leak in fuel system even though almost every pipe had been changed in the last few years.
Long story short: replacing the glow-plugs has made her start first time every time on a cold engine and the nasty clatter has gone. 2 plugs were open-circuit, 1 was 'working but apparently with a cold tip, 1 seems to be OK. Looking at the 'new' (slightly used plugs) plugs and the one good one, it seems that the tip actually catches the injector spray pattern so it IS vital that the tip heats.
The air-leak was more problematic http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... =3&t=49939 to fix as the union is no longer available. My temporay solution with a pair of washing machine seals is still working and she starts on the button every time. Long term, I'll have to get a banjounion made up, unless I can find that tin of assorted fuel pipe fittings that I know contains a small selection of brass banjo fittings - blow-torch, stick of silver-solder and job's a good 'un.
Bottom Line
1. Clattery when cold, may be duff glow-plugs rather than excessive valve clearances.
2. If the obvious pipes aren't the cause of fuel draining back into the tank, check the inlet banjo union, but be careful how you tighten it and anneal the washers first.