Missing, sputtering, black and grey smoke when starting

[vanman]

So I've spent a fair bit of time reading what everyone has to say about cold starting issues, IP main seal leaks and glow plugs.

I've checked the glow plugs for continuity and tested them with 12v to see if they actually glow. They're all good.

There's 9.5volts at the bus bar and at the ring connector which connects to the bus bar.
---->My first thought is there should be 12volts when I cycle the glow plugs. right? My battery and charging system are fine.

My second suspicion lies in the IP main seal, as even in warm weather, the van starts a little hard...misses, sputters and spews black and grey/white smoke. However after about three minutes, it runs smooth.
---> Would it be reasonable to think that if I primed the fuel system with the pump on top of the fuel filter prior to ignition, it would
clear any air out of the system and the vehicle would start fine if the glow plug circuit were in good shape?
------>Supporting evidence of this problem, was that I left the van at the airport for to weeks this fall. When I started it up after
two weeks, she started really hard, and it was a warm, sunny day. It was even blowing smoke rings.

I've been using Power Service diesel conditioner and/or Humphry's diesel conditioner for three tanks. My van is also converted to run on WVO and I have burned roughly 400l of wvo since mid-August. I would imagine the fuel system ought to be pretty well lubed by this point in time. Are there other seal softening products available?

[dennis_lambert]

[quote="vanman"]

There's 9.5volts at the bus bar and at the ring connector which connects to the bus bar.

quote]

I Also get 9.5 Volts at the Bus bar and am wondering if Its correct!

[vanman]

The Engine Electrical section of the L300 manual download off this site, has the protocol for checking the glow plug system.
Refer to page 39

9-11 volts for 4-8 seconds is normal. 6volts while cranking and 12-15v once running.

Has anyone had their IP or injectors rebuilt? How much did it cost and who did it?

[fexlboi]

Has anyone had their IP or injectors rebuilt? How much did it cost and who did it?

Many people here have done it. Call CVI in Richmond (604) 247-0500

[dennis_lambert]

The Engine Electrical section of the L300 manual download off this site, has the protocol for checking the glow plug system.
Refer to page 39

9-11 volts for 4-8 seconds is normal. 6volts while cranking and 12-15v once running.

Has anyone had their IP or injectors rebuilt? How much did it cost and who did it?

I think that is for the 6.2 Self regulating glow system..
Is there info on the super quick 2 relay system?

[vanman]

Yes, the information I provided is from the self regulating manual.

Unfortunately, I think I discovered my problem...after a closer look, I found a small amount of fuel that seems to be seeping from the drive seal and onto the base of the IP in the engine bay. On the upside, when I pulled off the timing cover and couldn't see any trace of diesel on the belts I realized it's only a small leak.

For the time being, I am going to try the stop leak method and see if it works.

[Firesong]

I think in a lot of cases some of the hard starts and smoke
can also be attributed to poor timing and such.
Maybe a tuneup/ timing is in order.

FS