Hard starting diesel

[kiwifrog]

Hi, my mk 1 Xantia turbo diesel is getting a bit hard to start lately, its cranking over fine but failing to fire. Its mainly first thing in the morning and after work so is it glow plugs ? They look like they are a pain in the bum to get at, one looks like the injector pump might have to come out

[RichardW]

If, when it does start, it does so slightly stutteringly in a cloud of grey smoke, then it's the glow plugs. If however, it catches cleanly and starts without smoke, it's an air leak in the fuel system - to confirm this you can try pumping the primer before you start it to see if it improves things.

The glow plugs can be done in situ, but it's not easy! The one behind the pump is a real PITA, and is harder on later cars with the turbo outlet bolted on down the back of the engine. You need a deep offset cranked ring spanner to get them out. Only fit Beru plugs as replacements, others just won't last!

[white exec]

Hi, and welcome!
Check whether voltage is reaching the glow-plugs - likely to be around 11v when they are operating.
Check also the contacts on the underside of the GP relay for overheating/poor connection.
Main contacts inside the relay can need cleaning too.
GP relays available as a new part, but get exactly the right one (post your VIN here if you need the part no.).
Beru only for the plugs, as Richard says.

[kiwifrog]

Thanks guys, yes lots of smoke when it does fire and makes that real diesel knock for a second . Checked voltage on a couple of the plugs that I could reach and got 11.5 volts. I can hear the GP relay click when it times out . Is the relay designed to come apart or is it a cut it open affair ?

[white exec]

GP relays will prise apart.
You may have 11.5v at the plugs, but not a lot of current available, due to a dirty contact.
Much more likely is that one or more GPs have just stopped working.
Only takes one to drop out for a rough start; two out and things can get pretty shaky (literally!).
Best to replace all four if ancient.

When you get the old ones out, you can bench-test them. Tips should glow orange-hot within 5secs or so, and take about 9A each.

[moizeau]

Warm the engine up thoroughly and a apply Plus Gas or similar prior to removal, be gentle, may have to unscrew them 1/2 a turn at a time, like cutting a thread.

[kiwifrog]

£ 26,84 glow plugs
Delivery
£ 149,23 ( $288 nz )
This is the only problem with living in NZ, delivery costs, cant get Beru here.

[xantia_v6]

You can use a mail forwarding service that gives you a UK address for vendors and reasonable rates for forwarding to NZ.

[white exec]

International post would be a tiny fraction of that.
Four GPs will fit in the palm of your hand...

[kiwifrog]

International post would be a tiny fraction of that.
Four GPs will fit in the palm of your hand...

That price was from buycarparts.co.uk

[RichardW]

Royal mail air mail service to NZ for a small package is £5-£7 depending on whether it comes under 250g or not. I'd be happy to procure some Beru plugs and post them out to you.

[kiwifrog]

Royal mail air mail service to NZ for a small package is £5-£7 depending on whether it comes under 250g or not. I'd be happy to procure some Beru plugs and post them out to you.

Yes please ! get me a total price and I will pay you via your prefered method

[RichardW]

OK, I'll see what I can do.

[RichardW]

Found them on e-bay for £8.09 each, Free UK delivery: BERU plugs - the ad implies that they will post internationally, and the price seems right - £7.50 for a tracked service (only £1.60 for a non-tracked service, but I can't find that on RoyalMail, so I am sceptical! I can try and order them for direct delivery?

[kiwifrog]

Thanks Richard, ive asked the seller to confirm shipping cost to NZ