Cold starts

BazzaBongo · Post by **BazzaBongo** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 9:57 pm

What is the usual/average amount of time that you guys see the orange coiled wire light on prior to ignition?
Mine is on for a very short time max 5 secs, and with these last few mornings having been frosty and colder than of late, the Bongo has resisted starting. I have had to turn it over 5-6 times and only finally with the accelator succeeded to get it running, causing much smoke out the rear as you can imagine. Once it has started, it's fine for the rest of the day.

Is it just a case of needing new glow plugs?

ChrisEm · Post by **ChrisEm** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:01 pm

I wait about the sme time for the light and she always starts beautifully. Check you've good voltage to the glow plug rail before anything else, you'll be able to see from this how long it's powering for too. If all ok here I would suggest you test the plugs which is pretty straightforward. I wouldn't worry too much suspect it'll be the plugs.

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:37 pm

Sounds very like the glowplugs.

Even though the light goes off in around 5 seconds the plugs stay supplied with current and glowing for very much longer - even after the engine has started. Its a Japanese pollution control thang..........

jimsmimm · Post by **jimsmimm** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 7:31 pm

strange that dandy because I know my plugs need changed (its already booked in) and some mornings it wont start right away but if I turn the key to heat the plugs then when the light goes out turn off and straight back on to bring the light back on and reheat the plugs again it always starts first time...which would suggest power is cut when the light goes out.......only a thought

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 7:38 pm

I've fitted a glowplug cutout switch in series to mine (to stop burning the plugs out). It's got a blue led bulb in it (BLING!) and shows when the glugs are being fed with current. It's got to do with the engine coolant temperature sensor feeding both the glowplugs and the autobox "hold" function.

I got the idea from a factsheet in the club

Ozric · Post by **Ozric** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 7:52 pm

Sounds like the good old glow plugs like everyone says.

jimsmimm · Post by **jimsmimm** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 8:46 pm

see now you've got me wondering dandy if my the power supply to my plugs is being cut off early and this is why it isn't starting

,,,,,,after the service all will be revealed , as they say

grumpo · Post by **grumpo** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:59 pm

Take note of what Dandy says, there's a lot of sense in there.

The instrument panel indicator is simply a warning to delay
cranking the engine until the light goes out and is not directly
connected with the glowplug activity.

With a cold engine, connect a voltmeter accross the glowplug
header rail on the engine, and ground, then start the engine
as normal, then keep one eye on the indicator, and one eye on
the voltmeter, if they both go off at the same time you have a
problem. The volmeter should continue reading long after the
indicator goes out.

If it's a low voltage problem, try delaying the cranking operation
for at least 15 seconds, it sometimes gives the glowplugs more
time to get up to temperature.

If eventually it does start, but sounds like it's trying to do the
East Acton stick dance, you definitely need some new plugs.

jimsmimm · Post by **jimsmimm** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 12:43 pm

mine does indeed attempt the fine dance you mention occationally if its cold and I only heat the plugs once even if I leave it but if I heat them a second itime it always bursts into life cold or not .....having seen this before on plugs on the way out I automatically assumed this was the problem and even though what you and DANDY say makes fine sense ,I still reckon it 'll go first time every time with new plugs .....but we will see

Indigo · Post by **Indigo** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 1:54 pm

mine sounds identical to yours at the minute bazza, i took it to my mechanic who diagnosed 2 new glowplugs were in order and i've ordered 2 from the club shop and hopefully tomorrow afternoon i'll get them fitted

hopefully that will sort out the problem! will let you know

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:42 pm

Reckon I could be joining the "replace glow plugs" band - mine was reluctant this morning and very "lumpy" for a few hundred yards. These hard frosts are showing up the weakness.

BazzaBongo · Post by **BazzaBongo** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 1:15 am

Thanks for all the tips.
Sounds like new glow plugs for all then - me included.

Y'all check back here - let me know if they've done the trick

Indigo · Post by **Indigo** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 8:42 am

BazzaBongo wrote:Thanks for all the tips.
Sounds like new glow plugs for all then - me included.

Y'all check back here - let me know if they've done the trick

will do!

mine should be with me by lunchtime today, i'll hopefully have them fitted this afternoon and the big test will be to see if it starts properly in the morning!

Post by **Ian** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 10:11 am

They will be with you by 1pm.

Indigo · Post by **Indigo** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 10:13 am

Ian wrote:They will be with you by 1pm.

you have that much faith in royal mail?

i'm currently annoyed with them for stealing money out of my sons birthday card last week... one never got here at all and another was opened to check for money, only it was in a cheque so they left it alone