VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

General Information => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: JASGTi on October 30, 2008, 04:39:50 pm

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: JASGTi on October 30, 2008, 04:39:50 pm

Problem started after a hopefully unrelated problem occurred.

Alternator bracket bolt shook loose and fell out.

Bolt fished out of block and lock tight applied.

Battery went flat due to drive home w/ no alternator output.

Battery recharged.

Went to restart car only hit once and would only crank.

Tested glow plug circuit and verified fuel flow per instructions in Protraining manual. Checked condition of T-belt and it was good.

Car:  1984 NA Rabbit Non turbo. 182,000 miles. 3 month old glow plugs. Slight IP leak.

Is it possible for car to go from strong running to non-running in a matter of 24 hours?

Title: Re: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: jtanguay on October 30, 2008, 04:54:02 pm

Quote from: "JASGTi"

Problem started after a hopefully unrelated problem occurred.

Alternator bracket bolt shook loose and fell out.

Bolt fished out of block and lock tight applied.

Battery went flat due to drive home w/ no alternator output.

Battery recharged.

Went to restart car only hit once and would only crank.

Tested glow plug circuit and verified fuel flow per instructions in Protraining manual. Checked condition of T-belt and it was good.

Car:  1984 NA Rabbit Non turbo. 182,000 miles. 3 month old glow plugs. Slight IP leak.

Is it possible for car to go from strong running to non-running in a matter of 24 hours?

well consider this... how fast were you driving? when the fuel shut off solenoid slams shut when your going at speed, there is a lot of fuel flowing... and then its just shut right off.  bad for the motor! crack open the injector line nuts at the injectors and verify fuel is coming out.

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: JASGTi on October 30, 2008, 05:08:07 pm

Car was driven normally back home, just had the alternator light on. Turned off at idle.

I checked the solenoid and cracked the lines to verify fuel present.

Glow plugs have been pulled and tested.

Wonder if the pump has finally started to suck air through the front seal.

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: JASGTi on November 02, 2008, 11:33:59 am

Ok, got the new fuel line on so I can see bubbles.

Have tried to crack open a hardline to bleed the air out, but the battery doesn't want to keep it cranking that long.

So now I am stuck with about a 3 inch long air bubble in the supply line that returns once the starter stops cranking.  :evil:

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: fatmobile on November 02, 2008, 10:29:11 pm

If you want to purge the air from the pump, the injectors isn't the first place to start.
 You want a good flow of fuel coming out the top of the pump and heading back to the tank.
 Sometimes the pump gets air in it and has a hard time priming.
 I like to put a piece of clear fuel line on the output of the injection pump (line going back to the tank) and suck fuel through the filter,   lines and pump.
 If you try to suck fuel from the tank and it pulls right back to the tank when you let off, there is a fuel line restriction.
 A clear fuel line going back to the tank is a good idea too.

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: Ltsmash on November 05, 2008, 01:27:18 pm

if air pockets feed backwards in the feed line (towards filter) after the car has been shut off, that means there is a fuel line restriction? or a leak?

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: Smokey Eddy on November 05, 2008, 05:43:04 pm

Either or I believe.
If the pump already leaks like you say the pumps input (the one the gear goes on) shaft may be sucking in air.
You can get a new seal from Smog (I think he is Smog on this forum anyways?) at this site. I changed mine and I wasn't getting problems, it's just a good idea for ... what is it ? 15$ CAD
You need a gear puller though to do it :( which sucks big time...
http://www.veg-injection-service.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_8&products_id=15

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: Smokey Eddy on November 05, 2008, 06:28:58 pm

If you completely drain a lead acid I don't think they can work after that... (at least not hold any charge)

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: JASGTi on November 06, 2008, 04:06:18 am

battery is good just after cranking for 15 minutes (not all at once) takes it down a bit.

I have the seal kit already just never had the time to install it.

Fuel lines were on the schedule for later, but I guess the USLD has taken it's tool on them.

Will try the mity vac treatment to see if I can get the pump primed so I can get the car moved.

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: Smokey Eddy on November 06, 2008, 12:40:04 pm

I routinely get my friend to tow me around the block with his tracker in third gear.

That's lots more revolutions that with the starter.
Pull the cold start and put your foot to the floor during and it'll prime right up or there is something wrong.

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: burn_your_money on November 06, 2008, 05:11:52 pm

Try push/pull starting it. Try and time it so the glow plugs turn off just as you drop the clutch.

Also, make sure your fuel filter has not vibrated loose

Title: Stumped: Cold Start Issues
Post by: JASGTi on November 08, 2008, 01:39:50 am

Pull starting trial today, hope the cabby can handle it.

Filters tight and no trash visible in the fuel I got when I bled the lines yesterday.