6 replies to this topic

[redbullaholic]

Hi all,

wonder if anyone can help....

I have a 1998 Fiesta LX 1.8D and at the moment I'm having a nighrmare getting it going.

I've swaped out the glow plugs and have a fully charged battery, but the damn thing just won't start....

I did a bit of investigation and have ldentified a split in one of the injector fuel hoses on the 3rd injector.

I will be fitting new pipes this weekend, however I just wondered if anyone could advise if a (lightly) leaking injector fuel pipe would cause a big issue starting the car or am I chasing the wrong fault?

thanks in advance!!

Nick

[siruncle]

bad electrical connections on the battery, or other points (starter motor, body/engine earth points etc) can cause starting problems. Diesel fuel waxing in this cold weather can also contribute to poor starting.

are you getting good charge from the alternator?
does the starter spin the engine eagerly?
any poor running when the car is started?

[redbullaholic]

siruncle, on 11 February 2012 - 05:50 PM, said:

bad electrical connections on the battery, or other points (starter motor, body/engine earth points etc) can cause starting problems. Diesel fuel waxing in this cold weather can also contribute to poor starting.

are you getting good charge from the alternator?
does the starter spin the engine eagerly?
any poor running when the car is started?

[redbullaholic]

I think its getting a good charge... What should it be?

Now you mention it, the starter does sound a little laboured at the mo.

No running issues other than a bit of kangeroo bouncing...

[siruncle]

redbullaholic, on 11 February 2012 - 06:51 PM, said:

I think its getting a good charge... What should it be?

Now you mention it, the starter does sound a little laboured at the mo.

No running issues other than a bit of kangeroo bouncing...

battery (engine off) should have around 12.8 volts +/- ) 0.2v, and when running 14.4 volts +/- 0.3v

you might have a dying starter motor, winter seems to put heavier demands on cars, oil is thicker when cold, so more cranking power is required.

[rudders17]

My fiesta is the same it used to take a good 20 secs before it started, I changed the glow plugs, oil, oil filter, air filter and fuel filter and it made it abit better but it still takes a while before it fires up

[Maximos_wales]

That split in your fuel pipe will make a hell of a difference. The fuel is under high pressure. If there is any splits or leeks air seeps in and pressure for combustion with the right amount of diesel is not going to happen. That's why all fuel rail nuts, rubber seals, and filters must be tighten properly.