2.8 GU Patrol won't start when cold

[Dunno]

I have a cold starting issue with my 2.8 GU Patrol. I have only just purchased the patrol 2 weeks ago, however the problem started pretty much one morning.

The car won't start at all when it is cold. I have tried multiple (over 10) cycles of the glow plugs and even with over 1min of cranking it won't start at all.

The only way I have been able to get it to start is roll starting (down a hill or towing with another car). When roll starting, it only takes a little kick and then it idles fine. Does this indicate that it isn't glow plugs?

The problem solving I have already done:
Brand new battery (the one was very small and I was going to buy a new one anyway. Plus it went flat after about 30sec of cranking when the issue first started).

I haven't checked the glow plugs yet as I can't see how to get the buzz bar off without removing the inter-cooler. But there is 11.4V on the busbar when the glow light is on. As this started came on suddenly, I don't think it is glow plugs.

I don't think it is fuel supply because the fuel pump is firm and there is unburnt diesel coming out the exhaust while cranking.

Once hot (or even warm), the car starts instantly and idles fine.

I just replaced the air con, power steering and alternator belts just before the issue started; but I don't see how could caused this issue.

[eagle1]

G'Day mate, some very wise people will be along to help you shortly. I had a similar problem, tried my local help, cost me a small fortune for nothing then this forum gave me help and my 2.8 gu hasn't missed a beat. ( all i needed to do was to go to my local dealer get an advance plate and o ring that goes under the fuel pump and away i go) Thanks guys>

[Dunno]

Thanks for the welcome. There is alot of good information on here!

My understanding of reading various forum threads is that the injector pump wear only causes the car to be hard to start when it is hot, so it probably isn't the injector pump?

Could it be a compression issue? The head was replaced 15k ago after it was overheated (by the previous owner, I have the reciept)

It seems to be very strange because the car only requires a very small push start and then it idles fine...

However, this weekend's job is replacing the turbo which is leaking oil :( (and it was apparently replaced by Repco 15k's ago, but outside the 12month warranty)

[Dunno]

So I pulled the intercooler off and checked the glow plugs. 3 were completed stuffed and other 3 were poor. New set of glow plugs and she starts first crank! :D

[brucemacca]

Good to hear the glow plugs fixed it, I had the "hot" start issue and bought the injector plate mod. It now starts much better cold as well.