Astra 2.0DTL suddenly a bad starter

I have a year 2000 W reg Astra 2.0DTL, 108,000 miles. Since I've had
it, it has been a very good starter, first turn of the key, any time
of year. Last week it took an age to get it started one cold morning.
The glow plugs are new. It now takes about 30 seconds to start it
first thing in the morning. It starts ok most of the time afterfirst
use. Any clues what's suddenly caused this bad starting please?

 

turn over speed is quite critical.
IF this problem has only been since the installation of new glow plugs....
first recheck they ARE the correct ones, not a generic make or if a generic
make they produce the correct heat.

check the voltage train feeding all the glow plugs is not dropping voltage
at the end of it's run

mike

 

Thanks for the reply Mike. Turn over speed is good. Didn't make it
clear that I changed the glow plugs after the problem appeared, and
they are genuine Vauxhall ones. Don't know if I'm imagining it, but
problem appears worse if the car is parked 'nose up' on a slope???

Ray

 

couple of comments i found on peachorlemon.co.uk
they are about the zafira but isn't that the asta engine too ?

"...I have worked out that if I back the car in my driveway, it starts in the
morning and if I drive in the driveway, it does not. And no, my driveway is
not on a hill. "

"...Car was fine at first but at 30000 miles air flow meter failed and now at
34000 miles the diesel injection pump has failed. Vauxhalls wanted £1840 plus
fitting so found diesel specialist to do work for £ 1150 plus vat.
I find it hard to believe a diesel pump can fail at that lowish milage. "


i seem to remember something being said about zafiras being bad starters when
parked nose-up

dB

 

It will probably want a new set of injector leak off pipes - not a major
job - hours labour plus about £30 parts. BUT if there is engine oil in the
old pipes then injector seals have failed - big job and not a DIY challenge
unless you are really clued up. Pipes are a DIY job if you have a bit of
savvy but engine will take ages to start after so make sure battery is 100%
charged up.

 

ok thanks for the info.
urm.. that maybe a telling sign..don't like uphill....
if you loosen one of the injector pipes have you fuel straight away...might
be related?

mike

 

me140 is correct. The leak-off pipes need changing. Had the same problem
on my Vectra.
Dave

 

Thanks for all the input guys. Changed the injector leak off tubes
today,and starting like a dream again. 1 of the pipes was badly
perished and snapped off with little effort

Thanks again for the advice,

Ray

 

One of mine snapped off as well when I changed them. By golly it made a
difference in starting! Apparently the new pipe material is much better
and does not fail.
Dave