2.8L diesel difficult to start (fuel starving ?)

[ozrex75]

Hi All,

Finding it difficult to start my 2.8L diesel hilux when its cold.

- ambient temp is around 16-20 degrees, so not really cold.
- seems to be starving for fuel. Glow plugs seem to be working okay, but takes about three or four attempts to get it started. Usually have to pump the accelerator a few times while cranking to help it kick.
- no smoke from exhaust while starting or running.
- seems to run fine once started, no fuel cut-outs, etc.
- restarting while engine is warm still needs a bit of a kick of the accelerator to help it along.

Should i try replacing the diesel filter first ?

Thanks in advance ....

[trains]

Sounds like it could be air leaking into the system, possibly the fuel priming pump on top of the filter.

Try pumping that 20 or so times before you start it next, if it starts fine, then your on the right track.

T

[ozrex75]

Thanks for the tip.

Pumped the priming pump about 30 times and felt like it helped a little, but very slightly. Started at the end of the second attempt.
Still had to help it along with a bit of accelerator.

[sparehead2]

Keep pumping it untill you cannot do it anymore, It should become that firm its to hard to pump it. and it should stay hard.

If you can press it down too easily you have an air leak or a broken pump letting air in.

Even when I replace the fuel filter it doesn't take any longer to start the car than normal because it is fully primed.

[rezpkt]

starter motor?

try roll/tow start it and see if any different.

[RUFF]

Keep pumping it untill you cannot do it anymore, It should become that firm its to hard to pump it. and it should stay hard.

If you can press it down too easily you have an air leak or a broken pump letting air in.

Even when I replace the fuel filter it doesn't take any longer to start the car than normal because it is fully primed.

This is the common problem with these. The primer pump shits itself and starts sucking air. Once the engine is running you never notice a problem.

[ozrex75]

Thanks for the tips guys. I gave up pumping the primer after about 60 pumps as it wasn't getting any harder, although it did make it easier to start cold .. I think the primer must have a leak in it.

Will try and pick up one of those replacement CAV systems with a glass bowl. Does anyone know of one they can recommend ? I'm going to try calling Diesel Australia tomorrow to see what they recommend.

[ferrit]

i run the CAV filter- just a warning tho, after you replace the element about 3 times, the little fibre washer at the bottom of the glass bowl will crack and leak air and you CANNOT drive the thing- if you put your foot down, it sucks air and dies.


Solution ive found is that when i change the filter, i take the old mid sized o-ring (sits on the spiggot on the top alloy part of the filter- element seals around it) and the i put that at the bottom between the bottom bolt and the glass bowl, and every change i just swap the rings out with the old one and use the brand new one in the same place.

[sparehead2]

Thanks for the tips guys. I gave up pumping the primer after about 60 pumps as it wasn't getting any harder, although it did make it easier to start cold .. I think the primer must have a leak in it.

Will try and pick up one of those replacement CAV systems with a glass bowl. Does anyone know of one they can recommend ? I'm going to try calling Diesel Australia tomorrow to see what they recommend.

60 is nothing, when replacing the filter think 300 - 600. takes ages and you feel it the next day.

But you should not be able to do 1 after its fully done and working.

[tweak'e]

they should go hard withen 2 pumps. even when replaceing the filter its only 30-40 at the most till the filter is full (squirts fuel out the hose).
(did my filter last week).

don't forget it dosn't go rock solid hard. you can keep pumping easy enough and you will simply pump fuel back into the tank.

the other way is to simply fit a small low pressure electric pump to pump the fuel up from the tank. very handy for filter changes

you may actually have a small airleak in the pump. you guys got the low sulpur diesel a while back? it tends to make old seals leak. you might be up for a pump reco soon.

[ferrit]

or you just whack some clear plastic tube on the outlet port and start stucking till you can see diesel!

Keep a mintie handy for when you oversuck and get a mouthful of BP's finest!

[ozrex75]

Just wanted to post a follow-up. I ordered a replacement (copy) primer pump and a CAV setup from HIFLO. Fitted and primed, started first go !. Tried again this morning and started first go again !.

Thanks for your help !

[trains]

Excellent !

Glad to hear you sorted it, and posted the result and fix.

Trains

[tojo_runner]

i wouldnt be pumping the accelerator while youre trying to crank it, it can throw the timing belt and also backfire from too much fuel.

[trains]

i wouldnt be pumping the accelerator while youre trying to crank it, it can throw the timing belt and also backfire from too much fuel.

Yeah, if its petrol. And out of tune, and flooded.

With a diesel, it helps by adding a little more fuel whilst the cyld is still cold and the glowies are hot.
start with say a 1/4 of throttle when cold, and as soon as it fires let it idle, ie dont rev it.

Then try starting without any throttle...................

I use 1/4 throttle when starting, once it fires, I let it idle. It dosent rev up over 1000 when doing that, but starts alot better.

The manual actually states to use 1/2 or full when cold conditions are present.

Never needed to yet.

T

T

[ozrex75]

Since replacing the primer pump, it now starts first touch of the key without any accelerator, hot or cold.

[crack]

im having the same problem, but mine wont start for about 30mins of trying so ive resorted to start ya bastard when it wont start. havnbt checked glow plugs yet but ill check the fuel pump out to now/


jack