Hard starting 2010 Relay

[Loon1608]

Need some help....
Citroen Relay 2010 2.2 120bhp 109k
I have a hard starting issue. So far the injectors, glow plugs, rail pressure sensor, fuel filter and prv have been replaced.
No fault codes except the low speed fan which I know can be linked to the ect but it's reading good when hot and cold.
Starting seems worse when it's raining or wet, perhaps coincidence.
What does help it turning the ignition on and off quite a few times then it's almost starts perfect with a bit of smoke white (been measuring the coolant in the tank no loss) When running and warm the engine runs perfectly, no power loss, smoke or noises.
Had it with 2 garages both who I have used and know for years but no resolvement.
Getting the point that the van has to go so any advice greatly received.

[Peter.N.]

Could be air getting into the fuel system. Does it have an in tank pump? If not try try pumping the primer bulb until hard before starting it.

Peter

[Pablo]

''What does help it turning the ignition on and off quite a few times then it's almost starts perfect with a bit of smoke white (been measuring the coolant in the tank no loss) When running and warm the engine runs perfectly,''

Pre-heat relay?

[Loon1608]

Yes, turning ignition on and off quite a few times does make it almost start normally. Glow plugs have been changed and I swapped out the relay with one from a working relay (assuming it's the relay behind the passenger headlight bolted to the wing.

[Loon1608]

Peter,
There is a pump in the tank which primes when ignition is turned on. Not seen a primer bulb on it. I did change the fuel filter and I am now aware of a 30nm torque setting. I did it up tight and a bit. But problem was there before filter change. I can smell fuel in the cab when driving.

[Peter.N.]

I wouldn't have a primer bulb then. The fuel you can smell could well be that spilt changing the filter, in which case it should soon disappear, if it doesn't, look for a leak.

Peter

[moizeau]

Does it smell when the engine is cold, warm or both? White smoke, unburnt diesel, when cold along with a diesel smell and poor starting could be EGR related. The movement of this can be checked in the actuator tests within diagbox. You should also hear it cycling open and closed a few times when you turn the engine off.