Hi all, I had a nice 2.0si many, many years ago, and have just bought a nice little 1.8td estate over the weekend. It's done 146000 miles, cam belt changed at 126k, no idea of service history past 2006 though (50k miles)

It runs lovely, not too good up the side of a Welsh mountain (I read they have around 90bhp so that would explain a lot - big old barge), but I have two relatively (hopefully) minor issues if someone can help.

It's a slug to start - it sounds like it's really struggling to turn over from cold, but it's not too bad when it's been on a run. New battery, alternator performing properly - could this just be glow plugs? I've not got any experience with diesels

Also, the temp sensor goes to midway after about a 15 mins run, and sits nicely.....unless you go downhill, when the temp drops all the way to nothing. The fluid levels are good, so I thought either coolant temp sensor or thermostat?

Thanks guys - go gentle on me!

 

I'd try and new thermostat and temp sensor, maybe treat it to a new starter motor too?
Slow cranking could be a worn starter...
I'd chuck glow plugs in for winter

 

As said above, along with the wires that go on the glow plugs too.

 

Thanks for the replies guys - didn't even think about the starter as was going more down the "it's a diesel" route. The car is easier to start each time now, so going to do a proper service (plugs included) first, then see if a starter is needed too.

Temperature seems to be holding steady in traffic - thermostat and sensor not going to break the bank so sorting that too

Cheers guys, just a water leak into the passenger footwell to find now!

 

Check for corroded terminals on the battery and on the starter. Put a jump lead from live on battery to main live on starter and see how it starts. If no improvement then stick another starter on it.

 

Water leak may be the door seals.