Volvo MD 2030 won't start

[Pearldiver]

I've run out of ideas but it is going to be weeks before we can get an engineer to look at it, so thought I'd see if anyone had any suggestions. Engine started playing up about 2 weeks ago and now won't start at all. Starter motor turns it over well and it sounds as though it wants to catch, but doesn't quite get there. We've changed both the pre and second fuel filter and bled air out so fuel appears at the nuts above the injectors. Checked the "stop" handle and it seems O.K. Any inspired ideas?

 

[NickRobinson]

Only the usual suspects-

1 Symptoms; did it go from ok to non functioning in one or several steps?
2 Cranking speed normal? Too slow duff starter/battery, too fast poor compression but see 7
3 Its fuel and not water showing at the injector unions (happened to me...)
4 Done any servicing which could have caused the problem?
5 Throttle lever actually moving on the engine end?
6 Heater plugs (if used on this ) getting lots of nice amps?
7 Decompressor (if fitted) not left on?
8 As its trying, consider a whiff of easy Start? (controversial )

Let us know what it was-

N

 

[NorthUp]

Heater plugs, classic symptoms.

 

[VicS]

Heater plugs, classic symptoms.

Definitely the next thing I would check.

Check that power is being applied to them during the preheating and cranking phases. Depending on the model you might also check the earthing relay.

If power is being applied and the earthing is OK check the continuity of the glow plugs themselves. I don't recall the exact resistance of them but it is very low. It's in the owners manual IIRC.

 

[duncan99210]

Heater plugs, classic symptoms.

+1 we had this problem on our 2030, as had the previous owners who replaced the plugs. After a bit, I managed to trace the problem to loose connections with the terminal to the relay.

 

[Pearldiver]

Thanks, all, we'll have another try tomorrow and see how we get on! Cheers!

 

[RichardS]

Thanks, all, we'll have another try tomorrow and see how we get on! Cheers!

I assume that you are aware that you should not keep turning over a non-starting engine whilst the cooling water seacock is open.

Richard

 

[J Neeves]

+1 glow plugs, check the relays for good contact. In our case (having gone through a long list of options including checking amperage on plugs and finding a decent source of replacements, in case) simply taking the relay out and putting it back (firmly) was sufficient to re-develop a good contact.

Given the water temperature here is low 20's I was surprised how much impact they made. Made me wonder how diesel engines started before they were used.

Jonathan

 

[Pearldiver]

Turns out it was indeed the glow plug relay. Taking it out and putting it back in again sorted it, engine now starting straight away! Thanks for your suggestions.
Barbara