CDT Auto - Starting Troubles

[Malcolm Powder]

Hi

Can anyone possibly shed any light on what might be wrong with my CDT? In recent weeks it's becoming increasingly difficult to start - seems to be worse when warmed up. I took it to my local garage who insisted a good service will sort it - it was due one anyway but I pretty much knew this wasn't the solution. It did seem better though for a couple of weeks - but we're back where I started now. I took it back to them and after revving the balls off it for a while they insist it's alright - I think I need a new garage!

Anyway I notice some strange goings on with the temp gauge too i.e. it's reading much colder than it used to. In normal traffic it was always around about a 1/4 or bit higher.. now it's pretty much stuck on an 1/8 of the dial - I'm presuming this is somehow related.

Cheers for any advice you can give me! :}

[Malcolm Powder]

Oh.. perhaps I should have read this first eh!...

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=22402

[Polly]

I know absolutely nothing about diesels, and I'm sure the real experts will be along soon, but other posts on here suggest hot starting problems are often caused by leaking injector. The low temperature is probably a thermostat issue, but I can't see why that would make it more difficult to start when hot.

[navrac]

Try loosening the cam sensor under the engine cover - give it a wipe and then get someone to try to start it as you adjust its depth in its hole. I went through two of them that gave the same symptoms. An oring sorted it out perfectly.

[SD1too]

Anyway I notice some strange goings on with the temp gauge too i.e. it's reading much colder than it used to. In normal traffic it was always around about a 1/4 or bit higher.. now it's pretty much stuck on an 1/8 of the dial ..
Malcolm; you have the problem common to the diesels of a thermostat which is open when it should be closed! Your temperature gauge should reach the "normal" position with the pointer at nine o'clock. There's loads to read on the forum about the two repair options: renewing the original stat, or fitting an additional aftermarket stat in the top radiator hose.

I'm no diesel expert either but I imagine that the ECM might use the coolant temperature data to adjust the injector period. If I'm right, then according to your gauge readings your engine is running constantly in "cold start" mode.

Simon

[marinabrian]

Classic symptoms of injector leakback ;)

First port of call I'd say......

Brian :D

[Malcolm Powder]

Well.. It's happened. Won't start at all now - alright this morning when going to work. Just started it then and it eventually cranked into life for a couple of seconds then stalled and wouldn't start again. So I'm stranded at work. I'm f**ked if I know what's wrong - or where to start first. Anyone know any diesel specialists in the Mcr ' area?

[SD1too]

Malcolm,

See post number 6, and note Brian's credentials. Search the forum for posts on injector leakback. Get yer thermostat renewed as well. That's where to start.

Simon

[Malcolm Powder]

Wasn't doubting anyone's credentials Simon by any means - I trust what you say. I'm just meaning that I'm in no way a DIY mechanic so I couldn't do any job myself. So I need a garage that 'specialises' in diesels as I keep getting the impression that a lot of garages treat diesels like they're from the planet Zog.

[SD1too]

OK, understood Malcolm. Your best bet, being based in Manchester, is to go and see club trader Jules (http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/member.php?u=811). He's very highly regarded and concentrates only on 75s and ZTs. Choosing an ordinary garage is like playing Russian roulette. :D

Simon

[Malcolm Powder]

Cheers for the advice Simon - I might just do that. PS - I have an SD1 too! ;-)

[SD1too]

PS - I have an SD1 too! ;-)
Do tell me more! (by PM if you like to avoid boring everyone else) :D

Simon