Diesel engine starting / first start of the day problems

[Aeron]

Hi, I’m new to the forum, and no mechanic, so please be kind!

Vehicle in question is a 1999 T35 Renault Master 2.5 D.

It has had first start issues since I’ve owned it, with white smoke (un-burnt fuel I’m told) bellowing out of the exhaust when the van finally kicks into life after allowing the glow plugs to warm for 20+ seconds, regardless of ambient temperature. After it’s started once however it’ll start on the button all day long.

Recently I decided to do something about it, so perhaps naively got the glow plus changed. Now it won’t start at all! Without the help of Easy Start anyway! I now understand that faulty plugs were unlikely the cause of the initial problem.

The glow plugs appear to be all working and the relay appears to also be doing its job and intact (no breaks). The battery is also new and not a suspected cause.

So… I’ve trawled many forums, and got a bit of a list together, but I’m unsure which of these faults are (most) likely to be the cause, and which order to try them in, or if there are other solutions I should be investigating. Please help.

• Fuse for glow plugs is damaged or broken
• Glow plus are giving a false positive reading and are actually not glowing
• Temperature sensor is faulty
• Coolant temperature sensor is faulty
• Issue with starter motor
• Issue with fuel line or pump

[Aeron]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I still get white smoke with easy start. The plugs have been tested as far as they are drawing power, but TBH I'm just not sure, after reading many posts, that they were the original cause as many people are saying the glow plugs should not really be needed for ignition in temperate conditions. maybe this is not true, or not true with older vans?

The glow plugs fitted were however very cheap, bought off the internet jobs, so maybe they are giving a false positive?

Edited by Aeron on Tuesday 14th April 10:05

[Aeron]

Hi, Thanks. really appreciating your help with this. I have since discussed with a Renault mechanic and he concurs with you that it's likely a fuel pump / timing issue. I have the number of a diesel injection specialist, so I'm going to give him a ring and see if he can sort it!

[Aeron]

Hi,

Thanks All!

I have it booked in for the 6th May, so will let you know. I am now slightly thinking it could be the fuel line as further ho-humming has added these pieces of info...

There is no white smoke when I use easy start.
Once the engine has started I can switch it off almost immediately and it'll start again all day, so unlikely to have warmed up much