Hot Starting

[pablito81]

Hey Guys,

First post here on Delica.ca. Hello!

My 1995 L400 2.8 starts fine when cold, but needs to turn over 5-6 times when it's hot. Battery is new, and starter motor sounds healthy.

Also seems to trend with how hot engine is, e.g. worst when hottest, not good, but not quite as bad (like 2-3 turnovers) if engine just warm.

It has been suggested to me that it's a sign starter motor is on the way out, but it doesn't appear to be getting worse.

Also suggested could be head gasket issue, but don't have any other symptoms and the truck otherwise feels fine.

Does anybody have any suggestions what it could be please?

Thanks in advance.

[thedjjack]

Being a diesel hot it should just start with no glow plugs and a little turn....hot should have lots of compression and warm cylinder...

Is it turning really slow? Than maybe starter motor....but needing to try to start unless it is turning really slow sounds like a fuel problem to me...

[pablito81]

Hey,

Thanks for the reply.

It turns over quickly. So something to do with fuel pressure then??

[thedjjack]

Turning over fast = starter ok

Two options:

1. Compression issue

2. Fuel Issue


Does the L400 have mechanical valves in it (L300 does)...if so I would adjust the your valves adjusted first....hot valves will have longer stems and maybe open lowering compression. If this is the case you can damage the burn the valves if not adjusted...

If you turn it right off and then try to start it does it still need to crank? If not then you may have fuel problem...

Internet diagnostics are limited...

[pablito81]

Okay...thank you for the tips. I will look into both of those things.