interesting starting problem
 

hi all,

it's been a long while since i've posted because sweet pea's (82 300D turbo) been running very well. just the other day i drove it home from work, ran fine, and parked, then the next morning i went to turn the key and it just cranked and cranked. glow plug light fired up as usual and relay switch i could hear clicking on and off. even tried glowing three times before start

in lieu of sending to the mechanic, i've since replaced all 5 glow plugs. after installing the third and fourth plug i would attempt to start, to no avail. all consecutive plugs removed had lots of diesel on them which indicates it's getting fuel (and you could smell it).

the fuse in the relay box is good. i don't have a multimeter. the compression seemed to be ok; although, there's been a lot of blowby recently. and, i live in newport beach so the weather's about 50 degrees at its coldest.

anyone have any ideas before i call the tow company? electrical, fuel, or think she's dead? i've done a few searches and i'm at an impass.

thanks for the help in advance,

ben

sure sounds like
 

your glow plugs are not getting power.

also could be the engine is tired and low on compression. this should not cause sudden failure to start though.

the low compression might be helped by running heavier oil. and be sure it is clean and fresh.

glow plugs though onthe no start, i will guess.

tom w

Did temps drop suddenly before the problem? WHen was the last time valves were checked?

You can get a multimeter for under $20 that will test almost everything you need (except high current) Also, check that fuse again. I had a hairline crack in one that you could not see until it was loosened and removed. Caused me all types of starting fits (in 70-80 degree summer weather)

I believe you can check those glowplugs by feeling to see if they are at all warm after glowing. Put you fingers on them on a cold engine, glow a couple of cycles and feel them again. Be careful not to burn yourself. If these are series plugs (which I doubt) you can tell if they are working by seeing if the heavy wire glows red when they're on.

Cold temperatures will cause the problem of low compression to suddenly appear.

thanks for the responses
 

the temp did drop to the coldest it's been here the night it happened, though i thought it was still negligible for a diesel (around 50 degrees F). the valves were adjusted about 5,000 miles ago.

i'll check the fuse once more and feel the plugs to see if they''re warming, then report back.


ben

I'll agree 50 degrees is not enough to be a real issue.............on anything but an engine on its last legs. And valve adjustments should not bee the issue either. I would definately pursue the glowplug issue at this time...

Does the starter seem to be cranking at full speed? I have found that jumping it from a running car sometimes gives you enough extra voltage at the starter and the glow plugs.

eureka!
 

it was the damned relay fuse (had a hairline break in it for sure). couldn't see it unless you look real close.

fired right up. you guys rock the house, thanks.