diesel pump starting

[patrollin]

got a good 1 for the diesel gurus I reacon!!....

How do you check that the VE type injection pump goes to "start" mode when starting? The GQ has never started "well" since I got it (beginning of year), and getting worst with the colder weather. By starting "not well", I mean it sits on starter a few cranks before it fires - most td42's I've seen start on 1/2 a crank. Now when starting cold, it'll fire then die - takes another crank to go - then fair bit of unburnt grey smoke out the exhaust.

So far, it's got new set of glowplugs - I've checked the glowplug circuit - they're getting power & kicking in & out as they should (correct times as per service manual). Air filter been replaced, fuel filter emptied and replaced (its an aftermarket Bepco brand which I havent found supplier or cross-matched with another brand yet). I've checked for thimble filter in intake of injection pump - doesnt exist.

So in trying to track down the hard starting (runs fine otherwise), I'm thinking starting routine in pump needs checking. So, who can help me out???

ta

[InSanE]

get a compression test done mate she might be getting a bit tired in the rings, how many klm on it? if the glow system is fine them there isnt mutch else it could be, you could try a bigger battery that might help turn it over quicker?

[Dzltec]

When its cranking is there smoke coming out of the exhaust?
You may be suffering from fuel drain back. Also pull one glow plug out fit it to the rail upside down, put an earth wire to it and make sure it gets hot when the light turns off on the dash. As mentioned a comp test wouldnt go astray. If you still have problems, try starting it in a full throttle position, if no good then the pump needs to be removed and tested. This is the only way to measure starting fuel quantity to verify your problem.

Andy

[patrollin]

well, had a compression test, low in 3 cylinders 440, 400, 300, 380, 280, 320 (back to front). It's got a very "lumpy" idle - worth checkin tappets as may be a few tight.

Glowplugs are new, checked glowplug timer & they kick in & out as they should. So no dramas there - that's when my next chain of thought was cold start system on pump, like with the inline type pump on SD33, u can see the lever moving to start, drive, stop. From what I've worked out the VE pump doesnt have any of this external.

Have had batt meantioned to me - worth checkin out 2 but cranking speed or sound hasnt changed for the 4-5 months I've had this car.

thanks for replies

[patrollin]

oh, its only got 246K's on it - bearly run in so why would compression rings be worn? Oil rings are fine as it hasnt used a drop of oil since I got it & blows no blue smoke.

hmmm, maybe gottn hot a 1 stage in her life??? It does look like its got a recond rad in it (white marker writing down side of tank) & the oil filter housing cooling duct (on side of block) has been replaced (new blue selastic around it). Temp guage sits on 1/4 & doesnt move if 35C outside, or 15C (startin to get cold now, damn winter!!), & if floggin it or cruisin...

[patrollin]

now I'm 100% happy with my GQ!

firstly, did try disconnecting 1 battery, made no change to starting...

I've finally got around to adjusting the tappets, & basically I've ended up with a different motor!! There was tight tappets everywhere!!! For 5 cylinders either an intake & exhaust tappet was tight - or both!

Now, she starts like a "normal" td42 - 1 crank & fires. But the performance is amazing - I was pretty excited before with the turbo, but before was hessitant to rev beyond 3,500 rpm, now she flies around to 4,000 before I realise it!!!!!!

Gotta be happy with that...
& thanks for all the replies/ideas