Ok how much is considered hard starting

[MJB]

My wife was going to bed and saw me on the site and informs me now that the last couple of mornings which haven't been cold the van doesn't start up right away. I use my bike in the morning often so I haven't heard it. She says it doesn't start up the first time but it always starts after that the first time. Not much smoke but she pulls out the choke and its not catching right away usually the second time. Now the old mercedes even when I leave it for a week fires without hesitation so is the normal starting for the morning
thanks again for covering this

[Mystery Machine]

First things I would consider looking at:

Glow plugs - are they working properly?
Bus bar - is it corroded?

These are two of the most important factors in getting a diesel started. Fuel filters, pumps etc... all play a part, but if the bus bar and glow plugs aren't up to the job then you're on a losing battle I'm afraid.

[loki]

FYI there is no choke, the knob on the dash is a hand throttle for increasing the idle speed. I used to use it to warm the engine up but don't anymore, the best thing to warm an engine is to drive it like a granny for a minute or 2. I personally don't think you should ever need to use the throttle (hand or foot) to get it started especially when it isn't that cold. If you need to put the peddle down and crank for more than a couple rotations I would have your engine tuned up. But that is just me.

[MJB]

yes this is why I love this site. I was thinking it a little much to have to use the trottle in the morning(choke/trottle sorry i messed that one up last night). I tried it this morning and yes you had to use the trottle to get it going otherwise nothing just cranking haven't tested the plugs or bar yet, but would that effect it all the time or just in the morning becuase throughout the day its fine just the intial start. We have to pick up the inlaws coming from germany on the april 2 so maybe I can get CVI to do the delica tune the day before.

[loki]

We have to pick up the inlaws coming from germany on the april 2 so maybe I can get CVI to do the delica tune the day before.

Sound sounds like a solid plan to me.

[Mystery Machine]

......but would that effect it all the time or just in the morning becuase throughout the day its fine just the intial start.

Diesels are always harder to start in the morning because the air temp is colder than during the day and the vehicle has been sat idle all night.

Once the engine has been warmed up, you can generally start it back up 'on the button' (i.e. not having to wait for the glow plugs) because the residual heat in the engine will make it much easier to start.

I was working on a job earlier today for about 4hrs - I started the engine straight away (no waiting for plugs) and it fired instantly.

I never even touch the throttle in the mornings, just wait for the second click then crank it - starts straight away.

Like I said - check the glow plugs and bus bar first....rule out the obvious then take it from there if that doesn'y cure it?

[TardisDeli]

HI MJB, make sure you wait for the glow plug to click off (9 seconds on mine), then start it immediately then, don't wait a few more seconds while adjusting hats and mitts and radios. Makes a big difference for me. Cheers Christine.