Diesel Engine wont start - help pse

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tarik

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Went down to the boat today to check her over after recent rain etc. Tried to start the engine it turned over but didn't fire up. Plenty of fuel.


Never had any problems before very reliable engine - Ford


I'm not an engineer - any suggestions?


Many thanks for all replies

David
 
check that the stop system is working ok. bleed whole system right up to the injector nuts. or remove injectors and connect to see spray pattern. If after doing this I would suspect that the pump needs a service. DO NOT put your skin anywhere near the s[pay pattern.
 
Is there fuel coming out the exhaust. I recently had a similar issue and it was a bust relay on the glowplug circuit
 
islecastle1 said:
Much as I hate the stuff, a tiny whiff of easystart might get it going.
Click to expand...

I certainly don't HATE easystart - especially in the middle of winter ..... but shouldn't have been necessary today. Cranking speed (battery?) perhaps?.


Edit: and as Jimi reminds us, some lucky engines have glow plugs.......my Mondeo certainly won't start if more than one out of four fails :o
 
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1. Check stop solenoid / mechanism is not sticking Off.

2. Check any preheat system is working: glowplugs, manifold heater. More than two glow plugs down and few engines will start

3. Is fuel reaching the engine? Crack an injector feed, and see if fuel is present. Any bubbles? (Dont pull the injectors as advised above - yet!)

If no fuel at the injector, is the lift pump working? A split diaphragm stops things dead. Crack the feed to the pump and check whether fuel is being fed properly. Again check for bubbles.

No fuel reaching the lift pump? Most likely cause is either a blocked or leaking filter or fuel line

If fuel IS reaching the injectors and the engine was running normally, then start suspecting spray patterns, pumps, or other mechanical problems.

Dont crank the engine for long with coolant seacock open, you can fill the exhaust with water which can be sucked in to the engine and cause major problems.
 
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In my limited experience of badly starting diesels it's always lack of fuel, either blocked filters (make sure you know where they all are!) or air in the system, it may be neither but start with the easier options before going deeper, we are all guilty of over thinking things sometimes.
 
Does it have an electronic pump? The Focus diesel pump can pack up (electronic problem) but you still get fuel at the injectors.
 
Check continuity on the glow plug circuit and any relays fitted.Turn on cold start and and check for power to first glow plug.If there is no power check leads and relay if fitted. If there is power make the same check from the top of each glow plug to earth.This spring my boat was afloat off the launching cradle but only started with extreme difficulty after spinning for 10 plus minutes.There was a very slightly loose conection between no. one and no. two glow plug.
As it has gone from start to no start in one move also check out the stop system-mine is cable operated and once came loose where attached to lever on injector pump.Similarly if operated by an electric solenoid check out that this is working.
Checking continuity is dead easy using a pen light type tester-you just clip lead to a good earth and prod the item to be tested to see if light lights up.
Always remember to check your tester across the battery before use to make sure its working.
 
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