Hard start when cold

[Makebeleaf]

96 Golf TD AAZ


Car is having a bit of a hard time starting now it is getting colder. White smoke out coming out of tail pipe and flex hose (which I need to replace). Don't think I can replace that hose myself though.

I have to turn it over a few times. Have to let it crank a bit longer until it catches. I'm wondering if it has something to do with the fuel filter (going to change it soon).
Did a rad and engine flush and put in a block heater at the same time. (When I was doing it I knocked the frost plug right into the engine....geez!!)

Anyways, when I plug in the car for about an hour to an hour and 1/2, the car starts right up no problem.

I did check my glow plugs one at a time with a test light (may not be the best way to test them though) and each one seem to be working separately.

Any ideas? I think it won't start at all as it gets into the minus temperatures.

[Doug]

Check your glow bus for voltage with a voltmeter, and current flow with a clip on ammeter or a cheapie in series type from CTC or P.Auto. You should see about 50 amps on the glow cycle. If less current is indicated then you have a plug(s)that is(are) open circuit. Replace them all for a fresh start to winter. If no current at all and no voltage and plugs are okay then look to the control circuit where the relay is suspect. Check output terminals of the relay in circuit when on glow cycle for voltage. Next check the fusible link or fuse in the bus bar circuit. They often fail, only when you need them. Carry a spare!

[Makebeleaf]

I have multimeter that has ammeter settings but I'm not sure how to set it up and where to attach it to to read current flow. Any help?

Thanks

[Doug]

I doubt that your meter will measure current this high so follow the previous advice (and current flow with a clip on ammeter or a cheapie in series type from CTC or P.Auto.).

You can check for voltage though with your meter.

[Vincent Waldon]

Glow plug troubleshooting info here:

http://vincewaldon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=28

[burn_your_money]

You are using the cold start lever right?

A voltage drop test wouldn't hurt to verify that the starter is turning the engine fast enough. Sounds like it's turning fast enough and turning fast enough are two different things 

What is your timing set at?

[Makebeleaf]

Found the problem....tested my glow plugs,(after half and hour of getting the bus off and dropping a nut down the side of the engine!) all seemed to work fine.

Followed Vince's link and found the culprit. Blown glow plug fuse! New one in yesterday and went out a 6am this morning....nice and cold outside, frost covering the whole car.
Didn't plug it in last night as I have been doing. The car didn't even hesitate starting. Fired right up.

I had been trying to start the car with no glow plugs at all. No wonder about the smoke show I was giving the neighbors every morning!

Funny how sometimes the simplest thing can give you the hardest time if you don't know what to look for.
The hardest part of most jobs is the troubleshooting, trying to figure out what is actually wrong...

Thank you very much for everyones help!

[Vincent Waldon]

Yup, for a Canadian during the winter happiness is a beer, a hockey game, and 4 working glow plugs on the diesel.

Life's good, eh?!