Slow to start

[alterastro]

Hi All

My 98 GU shorty 2.8 is a bit slow to start. What I mean is she usually will take arount 8-10 seconds of cranking before she fires up. When she does fire there is quite a plime of smoke which goes straight away and she doesn't really smoke at all after that. Doesn't seem to make a difference whether shes hot or cold. When she's running, she's fine.

So. Is this normal? If not, any ideas as to where I should start my investigations?

Cheers

Nick

[threedogs]

Are you waiting for the glow plug light to go out before starting>

[nissannewby]

I know a few on here have had a similar issue with the 2.8 and it ends up being the advance plate on the side of the injector pump. PM "the ferret" he should be able to help you out with this.

[the ferret]

Hi All

My 98 GU shorty 2.8 is a bit slow to start. What I mean is she usually will take arount 8-10 seconds of cranking before she fires up. When she does fire there is quite a plime of smoke which goes straight away and she doesn't really smoke at all after that. Doesn't seem to make a difference whether shes hot or cold. When she's running, she's fine.

So. Is this normal? If not, any ideas as to where I should start my investigations?

Cheers

Nick

Pm sent Nick,
Cheers, the ferret.

[patrol2.8]

Once the ferrets sorted you out take a look here http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?7013-Gu-2.8-hot-start-issue/page2 its a bit of a guide for changing the plate

[alterastro]

Hi All

Still having issues with starting. Not really major, but would like to sort it.

When cold, if I wait until the glow light goes out and try and start she'll take 5-10 seconds of cranking before starting with a plume of smoke. If I wait until the light goes out and then repeat the process, waiting a bit longer the second time she fires straight away.

When hot, nothing I do seems to make any difference, taking 5-10 seconds to fire, usually with a plume of smoke.

I have checked the glow plugs and they seem fine, but I replaced them anyway.

I have checked the relay and seems fine with 12.5 volts going in and coming out... But I measured the voltage on the buzzbar and it starts at 9.5v and slowly increases. Is this right, due to plug power drain or should it still be 12v? If not, any idea where to look for the current drain?

I'm beginning to think I have a dodgy relay AND need the plate mod on the pump to help with the hot starting?!?

Any advice?

Cheers

Nick

[MC97GQ]

What colour is the plume of smoke,

It may be an injector issue, mine used to start OK but when I would take off it would blow plumes of white smoke, changed the injectors and now it is good as gold.

Others on here may have a better idea.

Mark

[the ferret]

I think the advance plate will solve a lot of your problems, particularly the hot start issue.
Cheers, The ferret

[alterastro]

OK thanks guys. I'll do the plate first, but I'm having trouble getting it here in the UK. Luckily Threedogs has offered to help me out, so thanks John (btw, your inbox is full :-))

Yes the smoke is white, but after starting it runs fine. If the plate doesn't work I guess the injectors could be high on the list of fixes to try!

Cheers

Nick

[Petit caillou]

Hello Nick,

At first glance I would say that you warm-candles that do not work on mine I booted with three candles on 6 and it was a little too long to start.
you are sure the connection is perfect with your glow plugs?

regards
Petit caillou.

[threedogs]

G'day mate alls good, Garry doing free post to my place, hopefully I'll have it by friday,
will post saturday morning if all things go to plan. PM Your Address

[alterastro]

Hello Nick,

At first glance I would say that you warm-candles that do not work on mine I booted with three candles on 6 and it was a little too long to start.
you are sure the connection is perfect with your glow plugs?

regards
Petit caillou.

Hi Petit

Yes, I'm pretty sure. I've fitted new candles and it does start fine when cold if I go through the key on off twice.

Cheers

Nick

[Petit caillou]

Hi Nick,

have a look to this thread
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?14340-Glow-plug-wiring-RD28T
Relay in the engine compartment may be faulty

Regard
Petit caillou.

[alterastro]

I think I have a dodgy relay and need the pump mod. The pump mod plate is on it's way thanks to three dogs. For the relay, I've stripped it apart and seems ok but that doesn't mean much! Does anyone know how many amps these relays handle as its a simple on-off and I'm sure I can get one to match much more cheaply than the $100 Nissan want!

[alterastro]

Well the pump mod part arrived and I fitted it this morning..... And now no more hot start problems :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Not had a chance to try it cold yet to see if it has made a difference to that, but if not I can cope with turning the key twice!

Big thanks to threedogs for sending me the part - just silly that you can't get it here in the uk!

Cheers

Nick

[Yendor]

I think I have a dodgy relay and need the pump mod. The pump mod plate is on it's way thanks to three dogs. For the relay, I've stripped it apart and seems ok but that doesn't mean much! Does anyone know how many amps these relays handle as its a simple on-off and I'm sure I can get one to match much more cheaply than the $100 Nissan want!

You can replace the relay with a good quality constant operation solenoid (minimum 100amps).

[alterastro]

Well my hot and cold start problems are sorted thanks to the mod plate, but now I have another issue.... Since fitting the plate I noticed that it is smoking more and the engine sounds more 'clacky'. I spoke to a diesel specialist today and apart from knowing about the hot start issue he wasn't aware of the mod plate. He is pretty sure that the mod plate has advanced the pump timing too far and the timing is now out causing the smoke and extra 'clackyness'. He says I'm risking damage by leaving it there as it will likely cause a head gasket failure or something worse. He says best bet is to live with the hot start issue as its not the pump that's at fault, but a 'head pin' which may have become worn or loose over the years. They can try tightening it but no guarantees it will work. Alternatively I can remove the plate and try grinding the raised bit down by about 50% and trying that.

Anyone heard anything like this before or any comments?

Cheers

Nick

[the ferret]

I have never heard of this problem.
Best to take the plate to someone who has a lathe and spin 2mm off and try it.
The raised section is just under 5mm.
The end needs to be square or the plunger may bind.
Cheers, the ferret.

[alterastro]

Well today I took the plate off and a 'handy-to-have' neighbour halved the length of the raised bit on his lathe. Refitted it and it now runs much quieter and smoother and..... Still no hot start issue :Yahoo!:

So top tip - if you fit the mod and it runs clacky and smokey, make it a bit smaller!