Problems starting in the morning or when cold ? Adjustment

[Fishtank]

What's the coldest temperature you've started your van in?

Not to sound like an a$$, but maybe you don't get why some people have a cold start problem because you haven't started in the cold? Richmond is not exactly a cold climate. Maybe you just have a well tuned IP and good glow plugs. Did a previous owner or importer change your IP seal? Just because you haven't changed it doesn't mean it's leaking or faulty.

[1994delicaman]

What's the coldest temperature you've started your van in?

Not to sound like an a$$, but maybe you don't get why some people have a cold start problem because you haven't started in the cold? Richmond is not exactly a cold climate. Maybe you just have a well tuned IP and good glow plugs. Did a previous owner or importer change your IP seal? Just because you haven't changed it doesn't mean it's leaking or faulty.

The coldest temp I've started the van was -18*c in aberta and it started pretty well(I dont have a block heater), yes lots of white smoke and a few coughs but she smoothed out in minute or so. I was looking through my vans sevice history and I don't recall seeing anything about the IP main seal. when I bought the van from Steven three years ago he did not change the main seal. The only thing I've done to the IP was turning up the fuel, changing the position of fuel pin, turned the star wheel two times and thats it. The glow plugs are two years old. when you said "Not to sound like an a$$" I respect everybodys opinion

[Fishtank]

What's the coldest temperature you've started your van in?

Not to sound like an a$$, but maybe you don't get why some people have a cold start problem because you haven't started in the cold? Richmond is not exactly a cold climate. Maybe you just have a well tuned IP and good glow plugs. Did a previous owner or importer change your IP seal? Just because you haven't changed it doesn't mean it's leaking or faulty.

The coldest temp I've started the van was -18*c in aberta and it started pretty well(I dont have a block heater), yes lots of white smoke and a few coughs but she smoothed out in minute or so. I was looking through my vans sevice history and I don't recall seeing anything about the IP main seal. when I bought the van from Steven three years ago he did not change the main seal. The only thing I've done to the IP was turning up the fuel, changing the position of fuel pin, turned the star wheel two times and thats it. The glow plugs are two years old. when you said "Not to sound like an a$$" I respect everybodys opinion

Okay, -18 C is a good test, did you cycle your GP's several times or was that on a single go? Sounds like you have a well tuned setup then, the way they're supposed to start.

Although, I would assume that if you bought your ride off RSI, they would have done your IP seal no? Steven, can you weigh in on this?

I wonder if bumping your IP has had a positive effect on your cold weather starting...? Can Jesse or someone of higher knowledge kick in here?

What brand of GP's do you have installed?

Thanks for not thinking me as the North end of a South bound Donkey.

[1994delicaman]

I cycled the plugs one and a half times and she fired right up. Stevan did not replace my main seal but thats ok I don't really mind, it still working fine ever since I bought the van from him. I do thank Steven for selling me a great machine. The only reason I turned up my IP was to make more power . My GP's are from RSI because I got a good deal on them, they treated my very well when I was on my trip to alberta.

Thanks for not thinking me as the North end of a South bound Donkey.

No prob

[jessef]

I've seen L400's with a soft main IP seal coming from Japan. Not every one needs it replaced but you won't know 100% until you pull it.

Many owners have cold start issues while others do not. It's a combination of things.

If you got your van without the norm done to it and it behaves well in the winter, you got lucky. Most are not so lucky.

[1994delicaman]

Thanks for the reply Jesse.

I've seen L400's with a soft main IP seal

what do you mean, is made of silicone?

[jessef]

The main shaft seal is rubber compound with a retaining spring. Over time it gets hard and shrinks (especially if no lubrication is used in the low sulfur diesel). This leads to air and moisture to enter into the pump (more noticeably in winter months) causing the rough starting and stalling symptoms that are so very common with L400's that come from Japan that have not had the main seal done.

I've seen L400's come from Japan with a new/relatively new main seal once the pump was pulled to inspect it. Not many, but some. Yours may have been one of those exceptions.

[Sanluis ph]

My van has been starting fine in the cold (lower mainland cold), but I have noticed a subtle howling noise when first driving, but goes away when engine has warmed up. I do let it idle for a couple minutes before heading out. Less occasionally it has stuttered when accelerating along with the howling noise. All is fine when warmed up. Also bought my van from RSI, and did not have IP seal done, but has run fine all summer. Has anyone else had this issue? Thanks in advance.

[FalcoColumbarius]

My van has been starting fine in the cold (lower mainland cold), but I have noticed a subtle howling noise when first driving, but goes away when engine has warmed up. I do let it idle for a couple minutes before heading out. Less occasionally it has stuttered when accelerating along with the howling noise. All is fine when warmed up. Also bought my van from RSI, and did not have IP seal done, but has run fine all summer. Has anyone else had this issue? Thanks in advance.

A good question. That howling noise, is it in the alto range? Dump trucks will make the same whirring sound. Sounds like you're talking about the "fan clutch". The fan itself is mounted on a viscous clutch, which in turn is attached to a "spinny thingy" that's attached to the engine. The viscous clutch is tuned to operate to certain parameters and when an engine is cold you hear the fan going and that helps warm the engine, but as the engine warms up the clutch disengages, that's when you hear the howling spooling down after a couple of blocks of driving. When the engine gets particularly hot the viscous clutch re-engages to draw more "ambient air" through the radiator to help cool it down, such as on a steep hill. Pretty clever device if you ask me. There is a fair amount of literature written on this, try Googling "Fan Clutch" or "Viscous Clutch" and see what you find... smiles.

Falco.

[jessef]

My van has been starting fine in the cold (lower mainland cold), but I have noticed a subtle howling noise when first driving, but goes away when engine has warmed up. I do let it idle for a couple minutes before heading out. Less occasionally it has stuttered when accelerating along with the howling noise. All is fine when warmed up. Also bought my van from RSI, and did not have IP seal done, but has run fine all summer. Has anyone else had this issue? Thanks in advance.

You'll need to provide more information or have it looked at the dealer you bought it from for an accurate diagnosis. Falco may be correct in the either your A/C is kicking on or the clutch fan is engaging. Could be driveline/transmission related. It's all speculation over the keyboard.

[Sanluis ph]

Thanks for the good advice. Having driven front wheel drive cars for ages, I was used to the electronic fans. I think I may take it in as the howling is not continuous, but occurs for a few seconds, stops, then repeats. I also have not noticed it happening while parked, and increasing revs of the engine, so a driveline issue may be the source. If I can make a video that picks up the sound, I'll post it. Thanks again.