Starting problem with a 1994 Isuzu Turbo Diesel

[Mr Me]

Hi

I have a relative with a 1994 'M' reg Astra with a Isuzu1.7 Turbo Diesel
engine. It has a really bad starting problem.

We have replaced all 4 glow plugs, replaced the fuel filter, and yet the
problem has not got any better. The old glow plugs where a bit dead, they
took longer than the new ones to warm up when we connected them straight to
a battery.

If you attempt to start the car, we give the car 3 or more goes with the
glowplugs. i.e. turn the key to stage 2 wait for the orange light to go out,
and then listen to the relay click, repeat a couple of times, and then crank
the engine. The engine will churn and churn for about a minute then
eventually it will attempt to start, a couple of times and then get going.
Once it's going a pile of black smoke will come out of the exhaust, and the
engine will run fine.

Once the engine is warm it is easier to start, but even in this heat its
still hard to get going, I would imagine it will be even worse in December!

Anyone got any ideas?

Rich

 

[me140]

You need to get the valve clearances checked. These engines are prone to
valves sinking into head so valves stay open causing bad starting - not a
major problem but valves are shim adjustment so a dealer job really. Usually
and hour to do plus cost of any shims that need changing. Needs doing when
engine cold.