ZT CDTI Failing to start when HOT

[m@tt]

Hi

I've had my 03 ZT CDTI 135+ for just over a week now and really like it, however, its started to really struggle to start when up to temperature and in fact yesterday when travelling back from Plymouth to Sheffield when we stopped in the services it wouldn't start up agian despite running perfectly fine on the motorway.

I'd noticed over the week that when it was warm it was taking longer to start. The cranking speed of the starter was fine and it would catch after a few seconds, also starting it up first thing in the morning was not a problem at all, so it's definitely heat/temperature related.

Because i'd noticed this (infact at the petrol station before we set off properly it had taken a little while to start) we sat there for 30mins until the coolant temp had dropped from perfectly horizontal to the next marker down (8 o'clock position) and then she finally caught after about 5-6 seconds of cranking.

I've read through lots of the posts on here but there seems to be conflicting opinons as to the possible causes to this problem.

So far as i understand it the main culprits could possibly be
cam sensor
fuel pumps
leaky injectors
"orange clip"? is this for petrols only?

but some posts say if the car runs fine once running it won't be the cam/crank sensor and likewise for the fuel pump

so i'm a bit confused as to where to start.

I have noticed that when i turn the car off i can hear a slight whining from what i can make out to be the passenger side of the dash/back of the engine bay so i'm not sure if this is just a bit of a squaeky heater fan or the fuel pump

Any help greatly appreciated

Matt

[T-Cut]

I'd go for for the cam sensor. The fuel filter clip is only needed in petrol systems. The fuel pump would give problems whether the engine is hot or cold. That's probably what you can hear, though I didn't realise they continue to run after removing the key. There's another pump in the tank under the rear seat. That should buzz too before starting the engine.
However, this appears to all the characteristics of a demagnetised cam sensor in my opinion.
The sensor is used for starting. Once running, it may go out of spec due to heating. So, the hot engine refuses to restart. Sometimes a spell in the deep freeze will make a dud sensor work (only temporary though).

TC

[Tootall]

I had problems starting my CDTi when the engine temp was between the 1/4 and normal working temp mark and would not start until the temp had dropped below the 1/8 mark.
I changed the cam sensor and touch wood it has started first time & everytime since whatever the engine temp.

[Jules]

Hi M@tt
Welcome to the club!
Go for the cam sensor first--Cheapest!

Even cheaper possibility check fuel filter connections. (there is pressure switch there) But that usually brings Engine management MIL lamp on.

If not that & Rather than blindly changing fuel pumps on a trail & error basis, get a Diesel Specialist (not a general garage) to measure/test the fuel pressures.

PS
Hopefully you have probably found the sole reason the previous owner decided to sell!!
Did you buy PRIVATE OR DEALER??
Chances are you've got a great motor once this niggle is sorted................Good luck

[m@tt]

Thanks for the replys, seems a great forum, full of helpful people and useful info.

Sounds like a cam sensor is the way to go, do people have any recommendations as to the cheapest place to source these?
i see rimmer brothers and SMC trading get quite a few mentions but has anyone got any other recommendations? also is this part common on other models of car? as i might have a squiz next time i'm down the local scrappy to grab another spare just in case.

Yeah i'm loving the car, I got it from a dealer off AutoTrader, its only had one owner (+1 dealer initial registration) and been very well looked after, although there are a few minor niggles with it i'm going to get sorted
i) its definitely seems to be suffering from not great fuel economy (34.4mpg) all the way to Plymouth from Sheffield and back on clear motorway miles.
ii) Also seems to have a lack of urgency which i'll hopefully cure with roverrons tuning box, a new MAF sensor and and EGR bypass valve.
iii) shudders a bit due to revs dropping too low when you come off the gas at a junction for example, again i believe this will hopefully be cured by the above fixes.
Oh and heres a few pics
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v2...view=slideshow

[BigRuss]

Nice looking car you have there, as others have said cam sensor is the way to go to sort out the warm starting issue.

I notice that you are in the Sheffield area. There is a regular local meet at Thryburg country park just outside Rotherham which is a great opportunity to show off your car and plenty of useful information or friendly advice freely available. Great atmosphere and sense of humour too. See events and meets section for previous meets, but date for next month not been set as yet. You would be made very welcome.

Russ

[m@tt]

Sounds great Russ i'll definitely try and make it

I'm quite active in another local Car Club (Peugeot Sport Official Owners Club www.psooc.com) and i run the South Yorkshire Group. I'm into my old 205 GTI's and have 3 of them at present which keeps me busy

I'll keep any eye out on the that thread though, thanks for the heads up

[JohnDotCom]

Camshaft Sensor's available from Rimmers or any XPart Parts Dealer.

Part No: NSC100891 Sensor-camshaft engine £52.89 + VAT

See PDF for location and other details.


.

[Departed]

Several V6 owners had exactly the same symptoms (including me) and a Cam sensor fixed them. Definately heard others with diesels say it was cam sensor for those symptoms. If it were my money that's where I'd start.

[Tootall]

Originally Posted by m@tt

.................do people have any recommendations as to the cheapest place to source these?

Got mine from E-Car Parts who are based in Cambs whose prices are normally a little cheaper than most and do a quick turnaround service, give them a ring on 01767 682100/900 and ask for Nick.