[Vwdiesel] Occasional hard starting ...

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

  Derek said on Wed, 20 Jul 2005 :
I don't know if its just the fact that she finally rolled over 300K, but 
lately
its been hard to start.  The symptoms are the same as if the glow plugs aren't
working, but they are.  Sometimes you have to run the starter for 10-15 
seconds,
most other times, it'll fire instantly.  The only thing I can really think 
of is
the check valves at the tank.  Any other ideas ??  Battery's practically 
new ...
I am just at a loss of what it could be.

95 Getta, 1.9TD
 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I'll assume that the problem only shows up when you are starting a cold engine.

Furthermore, I am skeptical that the glow plugs are _always_ working on 
every cold start, even though you say they are.

Perhaps they are only working sometimes....specifically, when the engine 
starts instantly.

SO.....What evidence do you have that the glow plugs are working correctly 
when this starting problem shows up?

Rather than cranking for 10 seconds, crank for two seconds and if it 
doesn't start, turn off the ignition and re-warm the glow plugs and crank 
another two seconds.  Again, if it doesn't start immediately, turn off the 
ignition and re-heat the glow plugs and try cranking again.

I think that maybe the glow plug relay isn't warming the glow plugs like 
you think it is.


Doyt