Lumpy start up and vibration

[jjon]

Hi folks
Engine starts up on first turn of the key, but lately she has been very lumpy and rough for a few seconds after starting. Lumpiness soon goes but engine vibration is still there. It does go after some time, but depending on traffic and distance this can take ages. This problem seems to have apeared and worsened over a couple of weeks.I have fitted new air and fuel filters to rule these out. Any other ideas, temp sensor or something perhaps ? Any help appreciated.

[JimL]

Any signs below of diesel leaking from somewhere?

[Rob]

Does it mainly do it from cold? If so you probably need to get the glow plugs checked out and the offending one(s) replaced.

[JimL]

At first I thought that too Rob but if its starting straight off the key - 1st turn then the glow plugs are probably working, what do you think

[kitesurf_phil]

Could be a couple of dead glow plugs causing it to run on 3 or 2 cylinders for a while. Mine was getting a little lumpy when cold and I remembered I hadn't used any injector cleaner for a while. As I have been playing with veg oil I put a full bottle into a quarter tank and all is well with the world again.

[jjon]

At first I thought that too Rob but if its starting straight off the key - 1st turn then the glow plugs are probably working, what do you think

My thoughts too at first. but yes, starts instantly on key. I wait till the continuous beep to start. no sign of leaks any where. Started her again tonight, Very lumpy for 10 seconds then levelled out somewhat (lumpiness dissapeared but vibration remained). 20 mins of driving later and vibration dissapears.
Leaves me wondering :-

How long do these motors take to warm up.
Not much faith in the temp guage - even if the guage reads "normal" sometimes I know the engine is still not up to full temp. (heater output etc.)
when guage has reached normal I know it can be a while before I get full heat from front or rear heaters !!!!!

Can the glow plugs be tested individualy to say weather ok or faulty ?
Is it worth replacing them any way ?

If perhaps it was maybe just one or two glow plugs failed would it still start instantly but run rough ?

Baffled !!!

[MTpockets]

If perhaps it was maybe just one or two glow plugs failed would it still start instantly but run rough ?

Yes it would start instantly if one glow was not working, and would take a few mins to combust properly. The injector would still be putting in the same amount of fuel so that is prolly why its still lumpy for some time. You will prolly notice some smoke as well from the exhaust
cheers
Les

[Rob]

^ That was my thinking. My mum's car does the same when a glow plug has gone.
If it was a case of all the glow plugs not working (fuse blown or something), then it would have a lot more trouble starting. I think.

[jjon]

Lumpy start up

Thanks for the replies.
General consensus seems to be glow plugs. I will be ordering a set of new plugs today. I will fit them at the week end and let you know the result.
Many thanks.

[unclejibbs]

Glow plugs

Hi... I'm having the same problem upon cold start, where are you ordering your glow plugs from?

Many thanks for your post.

Unclejibbs

[jjon]

Lumpy start up

Hi... I'm having the same problem upon cold start, where are you ordering your glow plugs from?

Many thanks for your post.

Unclejibbs

Ordered them from Milners £5.50 each

http://www.milneroffroad.com/LN130.htm

[Woodie]

I have the same thing, I changed my glowplugs but it made starting harder if anything, now I turn on the ignition until the glow light goes off then turn it off and start again until I hear the glow plug relay turn off with a clunk, starts and runs just fine. I put it down to dodgy deisel or a slightly worn out engine

[computingfuture]

When I got home from my bros last night (about an hour drive) I parked up fine but needed to move forward like a foot to get completely into my space. My surf wouldnt start so I left her and went down the pub.

I tried thismorning and she started after a few chugs (my glow plug light goes off almost instantly). I let her run for like 5 mins. Turned her off and she started first time.

[unclejibbs]

Glow plugs

Thank for your information Jjon... hope you don't mind but I have a readl daft question.... yes you guessed it, where are the glow plugs? this is my first ever diesel engine, after breifly owning a Discovery 2.4 tdi.....

Many thanks
Unclejibbs

[Big Jonah]

On the 2.4, they're on the left hand side of the block, just below the level of the rocker cover, near the injectors.

You should be able to see the bus bar for them quite easily, but you will have to remove the air manifold to replace them.