Cold start issues

[eastywesty]

So my van runs great and starts great if it has just been running the only issue I am having is cold starts. It will no start the first time I turn the key, I let it turn over about 4 times and then I try stop and try a second time and it always starts first thing turns over no more than twice but not without a lot of white smoke.

For background info it is a 1992 Exceed 2.5 Diesel L300. Glow plugs are fairly new and I wait for them to click twice before trying to start. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[thedjjack]

Fuel leak....

Low compression...

Glow plugs not working....

sounds like air in the fuel system....

[Spearo]

^that^
White smoke means unburnt fuel from not enough heat. So make sure those plugs are working. Next would be a compression test then look at the timing. IMO.

[konadog]

Once you start turning it over don't stop. When you stop all the heat that has been created dissipates and you're back to square one. Start cranking and keep it up until it starts or the battery croaks. Check you glow plugs for the slow starting issue. Good luck!

[TardisDeli]

The advice from the others is great, and do follow konadogs advice fully.

How cold is it there for you now. if greater than 10 degree C, then problem is more than glow plugs. we can usually start a l300 without glow plugs at temps higher than 10.

My advice is a dead coolant sensor, always in september becomes issue. this is a screw in metal plug, size of baby finger, with 2 prongs atop it (not the one with 1 prong atop(, sits atop engine on front right. it senses the coolant temp, so it knows what your weather is like, so it can tell the glow plugs to turn on for 7 seconds to prewarm the diesel. this plug dies with age.you were fine starting in warmer weather, now that autumn is here, ooops. if everythiing runs fine after about 15 minutes of driving, especially on steep hills, then it is sensor. if problems on hills continue after 15 minutes then look at the IP injection pump.

deal with problem asap, as you will kill the glowplugs. meantime, park overnight in warm heated garage, or plug in your blockheater.

beware if you have changed glowplugs, you need the correct voltage. early 1993 the l300 glow plug voltage changed, but the date is a guideline only, you might be 11.5 like the 1993 newer ones, rather than 6v like the 1991s. mardy of amazing autos can give you better advice than me.

for glowplugs, the oem mitsubishi glow plugs are mandatory, all the others even the japanese ones, will cause problems ... oh if only people would listen i wouldnt have to keep writing the same reply.

keep in touch, since you live afar. sorry for short reply, not on proper pc. pm me wiht phone number if you want help troubleshooting.

[eastywesty]

Hi,

Sorry it has taken so long for me to post a response. So I have narrowed it down to a few things that I am going to try.

1. I use a fuel conditioner and I might not be adding enough so maybe the seals are not properly lubricated. So I am going to try actually measuring it when I add it.

2. Possibly the injectors are dirty so I think that I will replace all the fuel filter here soon and try some of this sea foam when I do it to try and clean an injector if it is dirty (might conditioner help dirty injectors?)

3. If these don't work then I am going to find a new coolant sensor and put it in.

4. I will probably test the glow plugs here soon, but my forth step will be to replace the glow plugs.

5. Get some work done to clean or replace the injectors (I have all paper work from the previous work done on it I need to sit down and figure a time line of the maintenance that has been done).

Unfortunately I am leaning towards it being a problem with the injectors because it kind of sounds like it isn't running on all cylinders at start, and it hasn't been cold at all (>10C) so I don't think it is the glow plugs or coolant sensor. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

-jarrett

[eastywesty]

Does anyone know where I could find a coolant sensor for a good price?

[eastywesty]

So I am finally about ready to put my order in for a new coolant sensor, I didn't take mine out and check the resistance on it I just unhooked it and the van started the same as it did with it hooked up so I'll take it that means it's a dud. I did run some injector cleaner through my last tank of diesel and it does start slightly better when cold now. I am really hoping that this coolant sensor is the easy fix I am looking for.

[TardisDeli]

For info on testing the 2 prong temperature sensor, look on the posting titled "rebuild the ECU" and look at page 2, for details by Morganizer on how to test the coolant sensor (go ask a local amateur Radio operator to help test electrical -- look for a house with a huge antenna on the roof). It is the easiest thing to fix by just replacing it, but is not cheapest fix. I saw one local dealer here selling for $88.00, but the last one I bought a couple years ago was $25.00 (a hyundai one) so prices vary. If you have a block heater , just plug it in for several hours, then try to start, if OK then probably is the temp sensor that is bad ... not clogged injectors.

[Firesong]

****quote****

Unfortunately I am leaning towards it being a problem with the injectors because it kind of sounds like it isn't running on all cylinders at start, and it hasn't been cold at all (>10C) so I don't think it is the glow plugs or coolant sensor. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.
************

Sounds to me it's the glow plugs. If they aren't working the cylinder they are supposed
to warm up wont fire properly. And this will mostly/only happen when cold.

Firesong