Car Help - Cold Start Problems

[m25man]

I'm not a maniac, and change at an appropriate time, but it also gets opened up regularly to 4k+ revs when overtaking etc. Gonna try some redex for diesels in it, unless someone can recommend some other brand?

 

I use this in my Merc once every few months STP® Fuel & Oil Additives - Choose The Best Fuel Additive For Your Car but they are all pretty much the same.

I dont have to take it out every now and again to thrash the motor to death, my wife is more than capable of doing that for me

[woodham]

Millers Diesel Power Plus is the one our local eurodesiel place recommends

 

my money would still be on a weak alternator not fully charging the battery I would start with recharging the battery and take it from there.

[Hightower]

Ah, another thing I'd forgotten. In the harsh winter of last year the alternator failed so I have a new one fitted, so can't be that either.

 

Hadn't actually realised I'd changed so much on the car!

[kevbaz]

id still take the battery out and charge it overnight, definately cross it off if it still struggles to turn over the next day then

[woodham]

is the alternator belt tight? it's not slipping?

 

and yes it could be the alternator, you work in it you should know just because it's new does not mean it's working properly,

 

Have you got a multi meter? it you have connect it to the car battery with the engine running you should see 14.4volts (ish) any less than say 14 and the alternator is on it's way out.

 

check this link it's a youtube video explaining it more

[BenABF]

When trying to start does the turning over sound slow or laboured, or does it spin quite fast but take a while to catch? If it's the latter it will most likely be air getting into the fuel lines or the injection pump. If the former it'll be the battery/altenator.

[Hightower]

Well, after seeing my cousin, the mobile mechanic (he's good, anyone from the NE want his number give me a PM) he discovered it was the Camshaft Sensor. He gave it a good clean last night and I could feel the difference in performance on the way home. Then, 1.5 degrees this morning, coldest yet for the car (struggled in 3 degrees AND 7 degrees yesterday), and it turned over much quicker and fired straight away.

 

He's sourcing a new one today though as he says once they start playing up they cause trouble. Think about £30 for the part, and he'll charge nothing for labour as it can be fitted in 10 seconds (even I could do it now I know where to look!).

[woodham]

thanks for letting us know I'll add that to my list of stuff to check if it happens on my signum