'03 Focus tdci starting (or not)

[dfen5]

Had the car 8 months. seems a common fault but never seen a real cause.
Had fuel filter and glow plugs done.
When cold, normally in the morning (or late evening if it hasn't been started) it cranks over, fires on one or two by the sound of it and finally gets going after about 10-15 seconds of cranking. Loads of white smoke out of exhaust.

Once started and warm it'll start fine. After a 9 mile run it'll start 4-5 hours later much the same but a lot quicker. Next morning, same ste.

I've put up with it all through the winter, always starts but the neighbours gave a big tut! this morning 'cause of the smoke they walked through..

Any ideas? Don't think it's the EGR, that did stick but freed up after a tank full of shell Super diesel.

[littleredrooster]

The first things to come to mind are the obvious ones: Lack of heat or lack of compression.

Are the glow plugs actually heating up? Does the timer keep them on for long enough? The TDCi motor actually needs very little extra heat from the plugs unless it's a very cold morning.

Has the motor got plenty of compression? Which variant is it - does it have hydraulic valve lifters or do the valve clearances need doing? Has it done 400,000 miles and has knackered bores and rings?

[dfen5]

95,000 with all the services done. I'm starting to think it's the pump. Once warm there's a distinct tick from that area.

Had the glow plugs replaced just after I bought it under warranty so I hope they haven't gone again in 8 months. It's got the "known fault from new" black cam position sensor in, found out as it went into limp mode yesterday until restarted. I'll replace that as I'm told that can have an effect on starting and it's just under £30 from Fords.

[HustleRussell]

Sounds very much like fuel delivery to me. A failing diesel lift pump, fuel pump, a small diesel leak letting air into the supply, even injectors forgetting their coding. All of these quite common with TDCI.

[motman61]

I fixed one of these last week with the same problem, common fault on these is the injectors, they ain't cheap recon one's are about £110 each plus vat, best thing to do is to get them tested first by a specialist

[robminiman]

first thing is first, does it have a primping bubble for priming the fuel filter? if so try pumping that before starting it a see if it helps might just be fuel running back

[dfen5]

motman61 said:

I fixed one of these last week with the same problem, common fault on these is the injectors, they ain't cheap recon one's are about £110 each plus vat, best thing to do is to get them tested first by a specialist

Is it right that you have to replace the pipe going to the injectors at the same time?

[HustleRussell]

dfen5 said:

Is it right that you have to replace the pipe going to the injectors at the same time?

Ford would have you believe so. I expect most independants would re-use them.