[Vwdiesel] TDI Start Issue

[Val Christian]

Al,

My 03 has about 48K, and I've noted the last year that it requires
several spins before starting in the morning.  It's worse when it's
warmer (above 40F).  If the engine is warm (above 130F), then it
lights up on the first spin of the engine.

I haven't been able to figure it out.  I did have two GP fail
#1 and #2, which were replaced under warranty.  Took me 2X as 
long to have the dealer to replace them, vs what it takes me
to do so.  Oh, I used VAG-COM, and it said that harness #3 and #4
were the problem.  The harnesses (is that really a word?) are
numbered backwards from the cylinders.  Keep that in mind 
should you rely on the computer rather than a Mark Shepard LED
contraption to tell you which plug failed.

With the new plugs, I'm still having "delayed starting", where I
crank the engine for 4 or 5 seconds and then it starts.

It's a real pain, I just know something isn't right.  It could be 
the other two plugs are putting out less heat than needed, it could 
be a coke buildup on the GPs, it could be an injector pump issue,
it could be a computer problem, lots of things.  I just haven't
figured it out yet.  In very cold temps, (-15C or -20C) the engine
starts OK, so whatever the problem is, it's not critical.

Good luck, and share what you learn.

Oh, specific to your situation, I'd look for bubbles in the fuel 
line going to the injector pump.  There's a clear line.  Your 
symptoms are consistent with (but not limited to) small air leaks
in the input side of the pump. 

Val





> 
> Hello:
>      My '03 TDI has about 43K miles on it, no problems so
> far except burned out bulbs. This morning it was about
> 44 degrees. Tried to start it, it would fire on one
> cylinder then crank and crank without firing any more.
> After six or so tries it started right up and has since
> started several times without problmes. This came on
> suddenly, no previous problems like this. Once started
> it ran fine.
> 
>     The only thing I can think of is the fuel cut off
> solonoid may have been sticking. Fuel filter is fresh
> and it was too warm for fuel gelling. Any ideas?
> 
> Al
> 
> 
> I have no experience with  03 TDI   ----    But I do know how to =
> troubleshoot.
> 
> IDEAS ?   ---yes look back and see if you did anyting ANYTHING ?   fuel =
> filter ?
> maybe ?     . It sounds like air in system. or low fuel.     So top up =
> fuel and and
> check for airleaks in fuel supply.    .   BUT   I am sure Val Christian =
> and  Hayden  will
> know. ----so lets wait and see what they say.
> 
> So AL why do I speak up ?    ----you know why.
> 
> Hagar.
> _______________________________________________
> Vwdiesel mailing list
> Vwdiesel at vwfans.com
> http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/vwdiesel
>