Hi Guys,

I have a 1996 Escort 1.8 Turbo Diesel (50,000 miles) that’s really struggling to start in the cold mornings.

Basically its taking to the 3rd or 4th attempt to get turning over fully and its very (engine bouncing out the bonnet stuff!) rough until I put in plenty of revs and let it idle for 20 seconds or so. Plenty of smoke belching out the rear end too.

Any ideas?

Had the glow plugs replaced 12 months ago (10,000 miles) and installed a new battery. It also had full service & MOT only 25 days ago at local garage in Edinburgh.

Found a similar thread here:
https://passionford.com/forum/showthread.php?t=208532 and bits and pieces online relating to other cars with similar problems.

How do I check the glow plug relay?

I’m useless with anything mechanical but can give it a bash.

Thanks in advance!

 

The easiest way to check glow plug supply is just connect a metre/test light onto the supply at the glowplug when some switches the ignition on, it should obviously light to show supply is present and go off after set time, listen carefully and you will hear it click.
If really cold, you are much better off giving a few goes 2/3 on the glow plugs before trying to start.
Have you drained off the water from the filter head recently via the small bolt on the underside ?
Also try some millers diesel cleaner and if around your area some bio diesel.
It might also pay to see if it still has fuel pressure at the filter head as the diaphragms are very prone to splitting on these, but filter heads are cheap.
Just push down plunger, if it has pressure you will feel it, if not you will feel it build up after many preses.
This must be tested before turning over though.
tabetha

 

thanks

 

check the big fuse that is located by the battery which controls the glow plugs!

 

could be air leaking in through the balance pipes of the injectors try parking it on a hill with the front facing down the hill with at least a 1/4 of a tank of fuel.

If one of the balance pipes has a small hole in it over night as the diesel returns to the tank and the diesel comes out of the balance pipes it drags in air and can be right bitch to start in the morning.(it happened to mine)

you can hear if the glow plug relay is working if you turn the ignition on(but don't start it) wait for the light to go out and listen real carefully you should be able to hear the relay click off after about 10-15 seconds after the glowplug ligt has gone out.
If you hear it there still may be a problem between the relay and the plugs tho but at least you'll no the relay is switching.

 

is it endura if it is it has special glow plugs check them it makes a vast difference they are shorter than normal ones glow plug relays are very reliable main fuse by the battery as already said does go or filter head advance on pump could b seized check all levers on the pump move