L400 warm engine starting issues

[claudiadh]

Hi,

We’re dealing with another mystery problem. Lately our 1999 Delica (l400/series2/diesel) is ok to start when cold, but the second and following starts are rough. Once it goes it’s fine, no problems driving, although I find the idle rougher than usual and it seems it’s even worse when the AC is turned on. The hotter the engine the harder it is to start. Minor white smoke coming out of exhaust. This issue is progressively getting worse so I’m concerned about driving it long distances.

None of local mechanics (Coombs/Rocky Mountain) are familiar with this issue, think it might be something with fuel injection/pressure.

We’ve had head casket seal and solenoids replaced past few years, fuel filters were cleaned less than two years ago and we use conditioner.

Any thoughts? Thanks so much

[poochike]

That's a tough one. Sounds a bit like air in the lines. If your injectors were needing serviced you'd most likely have black smoke and diesel knock. Could be yiu injection pump, but thats an expensive ghost to chase. Better to know it's the pump for sure before pulling it. Your a/c will bump up your idle a bit so if you're having rough idle issues it would make them worse in theory. Is the white smoke always or just at start up? I had a constant white/greyish smoke forever and I replaced the pump, problem solved (also a 99 series 2). You've blanked your egr?

It does sound like a fuel delivery issue though. Wish I could be of more help.

[claudiadh]

Thanks for your reply :) white smoke comes on after a few rough starts, as mentioned the more stops the tougher the starts get. I’ll have to check with Rising Sun about egr, we never did anything with it.