[Vwdiesel] hard-starting '93 EV diesel cont'd

[Sandy Cameron]

At 03:43 PM 2/27/03 +0800, you wrote:

>tried to jump the car by having it dragged down the road by a triple-A
>wrecker>

Had to do a cold start on a friend's 85 golf NADiesel in december, block
heater defective, 2 glow plugs out, many unsucessful attemts to start had
washed down the cylinders with fuel.
Took 2 blocks until it disappeared in a big cloud of smoke and started to
sound normal. Replaced glow plugs, repaired open power cord to block heater,
car starts at 30 below, no problem.

I always attempt the start in 4th (of a 5 speed, NEVER TOW START IN FIFTH
the gears are not strong enough) as I figure it's easier on the tranny, A
steady tow at 30 mph max in 4th should start it regardless of glow plugs,
block heater, etc. Try to get it out on a back road where you can avoid
traffic, and toww at steady 25-30 mph until it starts. Be sure the key is on
/ fuel solenoid is operated. It could take as much as a mile if the oil is
washed off the rings by fuel, or compression is low, but IT WILL START
eventually.

This is no different than starting a cat with the donkey engine, you can
crank it as long as you want too.

My old mercedes diesel was a tow start most winter days if I did not keep it
plugged in.

White smoke indicates not firing at all, black smoke is something gross has
happened to the engine (mouse nest in air intake)

Sandy