1.6td non-starting issue...where to begin?

[brandnwname]

My mk1 developed a non-starting issue and I could use some help with the diagnosis. Swapped in a 1.6td and it has been running great for the past 3 or 4 months, but just began not starting.  It started up no problem Sunday morning, drove it to work then it sat for 6 hours. When I got off work, it had trouble starting, cranked for a while but finally fired up. But now it wont fire up at all, it will crank over and over until the battery dies, but can't get it to fire up at all. It spews out quite a bit of smoke, so it is getting fuel. Any ideas where to start?

[TimpanogosSlim]

will it tow start?

do you have access to a diesel compression tester? Maybe a local diesel shop, or does the $30 harbor freight kit work at all with these?

[theman53]

my guess to check first is glow plugs

[ORCoaster]

I second that,  GP's need voltage and that fuse might have blown or a wire come off along the way.  You did mention replacing this engine so everything might be a little unsorted for a half a year or so.  Use a meter to see if the wire to the plugs is getting juice and then see if each plug is working.  Either the resistance or remove and look test might be the best at this time.

[fatmobile]

 Get clear fuel lines and see if there is air in the fuel.

[air-cooled or diesel]

glow plug relay possibly is bad.
if fuse is on the firewall its easy to get at, if its up in the fusebox its more difficult. then see if you have voltage at glow strip. if you do best bet, change all glowplugs. cyls 1&2 are difficult to get at.

[TimpanogosSlim]

Should have considered glow relay.

See the "pimp your glow plugs" web page . . . .