Cavalier diesel starts fine when cold but then dies when revved

Hi guys, I wonder if anyone can help?

Last winter, my '94 Vauxhall Cavalier 1.7TD diesel (208,000 miles!)
started exhibiting this strange behavior: it started fine on cold
(<4°C) mornings and would idle fine, however, as soon as I revved the
engine to say 2500rpm (or attempted to drive off) the engine would
suddenly splutter, loose power and then die. Starting it again after
this was very difficult and the same problem would occur each time
until I let it idle long enough for the temperature gauge to move
slightly where it would then drive fine for the rest of the day. I
never solved this problem, but found keeping it in a garage overnight
kept it warm enough not to have this problem.

This year, the problem is back again but at much higher temperature
mornings (8°C), and now keeping it in the garage is no longer enough
on many days.

I have read many discussions on people having problems with their
diesels starting, but no-one that has the specific problem that I
have. Last weekend, I checked all the glow plugs, they all glowed
within a few seconds. I measured the voltage on the bus-bar and sure
enough it is ~12V whilst pre-heating and turns off after 8 seconds or
so if left with ignition on only. If started, the plugs remain at
~12V for about 5 minutes before they turn off, so I guess that the
glow-plug relay must be working fine? I have also tried many additive
fuel injector cleaners and BP Ultimate to see if it helps but it
doesn't.

I'm out of ideas but reluctant to throw money at this problem at the
main dealer (although it has been regularly serviced at the agents
until now) given it's high milage and low value. Anybody out there
have any thoughts that might solve this?

Thanks,

Jon

 

Sounds like worn transfer pressure pump blades, a decent diesel specialist
should be able to measure the TP when the engines cold to confirm this.