Overall picture of engine


Close up - Leak around injector and leak-off / flexible pipe

Dearmembers, I don't have much knowledge of cars but like to do whatever I can asDIY if given help and guidance.

Cardetails
Ford Focus 1.8 TDDi
Mileage – 160,000 miles
year - 2001

Problem

• Delayed / sluggish when cold-starting after fewhours / overnight. Takes around 4-6 seconds of cranking. Been happening for aweek.
• Mild smell of diesel inside

Observation

• Opened the hood and noticed dried off oil leakaround second injector from left (See picture). Rest of the injector areas aredry. The leak had kind of dried off probably because vehicle was parkedovernight. No oil drips on drive way when its usually parked.
• Decided to take for a drive for few miles,opened the hood again and saw fresh leak around same area, which confirms itleaks when the engine is running.

Background
I had experienced smell of diesel inside the car last yeararound same time, no sluggish start though if I can remember. Took the car forservice and mentioned about the problem. Mechanic said there was a leaky pipe whichhas been replaced and charged Ł25 for that bit. I didn’t ask for details. Iremember vaguely the leak was around same area back then.

Question
What are the chances this leak and sluggish start to berelated?
What sort of DIY checked and fix can I try please?

Any help would be well appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Can someone help please?

 

it is possible that they are related, however i would think that the glow plugs would be more likely to cause the sluggish start....... unless you've already replaced them

the smell of diesel will be the leak

ideally you need to fix the leak (this may be a seal)
if it doesn't fix your sluggish start then you need to investigate elsewhere (maybe take it to a garage and get them to test the glow plugs)

 

Thanks. Would it still point towards glow plug problem if it starts absolutely fine every time throughout the day but just not the cold start?

 

glow plugs aren't really necesssary for hot start.... As with everything, start look at the cheap/free fixes before comitting to spending alot of money.

a proper diesel specialist would be able to help you out no doubt

 

I seem to have sorted the problem. It was to do with 2 of the 3 spill-off pipes.


I first tried to tie them on their respective injector with cable ties - suspecting they might be getting lose with pressure or something. That didn't help.


Went to Halfords, bought replacement spill-off pipes (3 in a pack) and replaces the 2 which had slight oil on them - left the 3rd dry one untouched. Fingers crossed, no leak so far and cold start seem to have come back to normal behaviour.


Link to pipes I bought is http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/garage-equipment/fuses-electricals-fixings/halfords-diesel-spill-off-pipe?cm_mmc=Google+PLA-_-Garage+Equipment-_-Fuses,+Electricals+&+Fixings-_-187990&_$ja=tsid:60494%7Ccgn:GoogleShopping%7Ckw:1 87990&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=wiaamaq&istBid=tzxp&_$ja=ts id:94971|cid:865695754|agid:43902127335|tidla-328736076851|crid:203186037801|nw:g|rnd:1736934240 2727258755|dvc:c|adp:1o3|loc:1007191