Plumes of white smoke and hard to start

[gordie303]

I bought a 2010 boxer 2.2 xlwb 2 weeks ago and have had nothing but hassle.
First the dealer had put in a "new" battery that would only just start a fiat 500 so he brought me a bigger battery that "was in good nick" this went from fully charged to under 10v in less that an hour (never even got it in the van)
So I shelled out for new battery but its a bugger to start and when it does ( sometimes by jump starting of my neighbour) it belches out white smoke that smells like diesel for a few seconds.

Neighbour suggested glow plugs are at fault, is worth getting a set?

[white exec]

The white smoke will be unburnt fuel, which gets blown out when the engine finally fires up, probably after a good bit of cranking.
Before replacing the GPs, check that they are getting at least 11v delivered to them - cleck with a meter on the cable/rail that links them. If nothing much there, check on the two heavy-duty terminals on the GP relay. One will go directly to batt+, the other goes to the GPs and will become live when the relay closes.
With a cold engine, GPs should be pre-heating for around 15 secs (maybe more) before trying to start, and up to 3 mins (in very cold conditions) after starting.
If engine always starts OK when warmed up, this likely confirms the GPs are at fault.
On a diesel, a good battery is essential for both GP action (each GP should take 9-10 amps) and cranking.

Also check the main battery connections. If they get at all warm while trying to crank/cranking, that suggests a bad connection there. If they are old lead (Pb) lumps, replace them with new brass ones, having cut the old ones off, and thoroughly cleaned up the copper strands.

Do post your VIN number (which will appear masked), to help with anything further.

[gordie303]

Thank you Chris, Hopefully I wont become too much of a pain with my questions.

[white exec]

No risk of that!