Starting Issue (not due to the cold?!?!)

pj_jazzy_janz · Post by **pj_jazzy_janz** » Tue Feb 27, 2018 3:47 pm

So I went out the other day to let the van warm up a bit while I got my jacket and shoes on, and it didn't start. Not the end of the world, I took the car.

Later, I was troubleshooting with my wife and discovered that she had filled the van and not put in any fuel conditioner. I figured the diesel might be gelling, so I added some conditioner, let it sit for a few hours and it started up like a dream that evening!! Problem solved, and I'm a genius!!!

That was two days ago and it hasn't started since. And it hasn't been that cold. It's around 0 today. So methinks it's not the fuel conditioner...

When I turn the key, it cranks, but it never catches. I thought the batteries might be dying/dead, but I checked those and they both measure 12.53v, which is a little low, but is that enough to keep it from starting? Any idea what to test next/how to do it?

204explorer · Post by **204explorer** » Tue Feb 27, 2018 7:13 pm

Are your glow plugs working? Any smoke? Maybe pump the primer until it builds pressure.
Unless there is something really wrong with the fuel it won't gel. No additive needed.

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pj_jazzy_janz · Post by **pj_jazzy_janz** » Wed Feb 28, 2018 3:19 pm

Sent it to a shop. Just don't have the time to putter around these days (and no garage means it's chilly work!!).

Thanks for the help! I can't stress enough what a fantastic resource this site is!!

pj_jazzy_janz · Post by **pj_jazzy_janz** » Mon Mar 12, 2018 10:24 am

Turns out it's having its fuel pump rebuilt. So, I'm rather glad I didn't spend too much time fiddling around, as I'd not have been able to tackle that!!

Ralph in Winnipeg · Post by **Ralph in Winnipeg** » Mon Mar 12, 2018 2:02 pm

Not great news but at least you know what's wrong. Who is doing the rebuild for you?

Ralph in Winnipeg

pj_jazzy_janz · Post by **pj_jazzy_janz** » Wed May 16, 2018 10:30 am

Well, after 8 weeks (no fun with 4 kids and a Corolla) at a diesel shop that ended up not fixing the problem (but did still manage to cost us an insane amount of money) I took it to Peg City Auto. He tinkered with the fuel pump as well, and had it running, but he still wasn't satisfied with it, so he dug a little deeper. Turns out it was the harmonic balancer - it was off by about 90 degrees. He replaced it, and it's been running like new ever since!!

poochike · Post by **poochike** » Thu May 17, 2018 5:52 pm

pj_jazzy_janz wrote:Well, after 8 weeks (no fun with 4 kids and a Corolla) at a diesel shop that ended up not fixing the problem (but did still manage to cost us an insane amount of money) I took it to Peg City Auto. He tinkered with the fuel pump as well, and had it running, but he still wasn't satisfied with it, so he dug a little deeper. Turns out it was the harmonic balancer - it was off by about 90 degrees. He replaced it, and it's been running like new ever since!!

That's great news it's fixed, but keep an eye/ear on that harmonic balancer. If you hear a squeal that sounds like a belt when you start it up cold, but belts are tight your balancer could be slipping. A failed balancer can cause some pretty major damage. If it was running great and then all of a sudden not starting and it was because of the HB, I would probably change it out. Good luck

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