Problem: turns over well but doesn't start until it's been tried for 30secs or more. Sometimes won't start until it's left a while. I have to turn over and press the acceleration petal a few times then it nearly fires up then eventually it does.
Can anyone help. I was thinking it may be a fuel problem but I read on the forum someone said glow plugs?
Any pointers in the right direction appreciated.

When last serviced?
Was fuel filter changed?
Any signs at all of fuel leak around , filter, injectors? Anywhere?
Does the glow plug light come on and then go off before you crank engine?
After starting does the glow plug light flash?
When cranking does the engine turn over quickly or slowly?
How old battery?

Thanks for the ideas jack I'll go through them now. Much appreciated. Regards les

Les007 said:

Thanks for the ideas jack I'll go through them now. Much appreciated. Regards les

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Quick diagnostic aid..

when it does start .. does it smoke form exhaust.. ?and stutter..

or runs cleanly / smoothly on all 4 cylinders..??

charlie - Oxford

I just checked the battery which is fine, then got distracted. I'm continuing now on the other things listed. When it does start a small amount of white smoke come out but nothing else.

Plus once it's running it doesn't stutter but does seem a bit unresponsive

Les007 said:

Plus once it's running it doesn't stutter but does seem a bit unresponsive

Click to expand...

White smoke is unburnt fuel..squirted into cylinders ok. But not ignited..

I'd remove power leads from glow plugs. Then twist the connection as you reatatch..

Poor connections do not help the power get through and a decent glow..

Have you tried letting the plugs heat several times before cranking engine..

Thanks I'll try that. Have tried waiting for plugs to heat up and tried several times before turning over no joy. Thanks again les

Les007 said:

Thanks I'll try that. Have tried waiting for plugs to heat up and tried several times before turning over no joy. Thanks again les

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quote - waited for plugs

they are on a timer.. AFAIK they only have power when the "curly symbol" is illuminated

so get the symbol on for several bursts - then crank.

Hi everyone, couldn't​ locate reason for faulty starting so took it the garage. Apparently it's the head gasket £900 to fix. Gutted. Thanks for all the suggestions, I only wish it was one of them. I've only just bought so someone saw me coming! Thanks again les

Oil in water but no water in oil so it's on its way to completely fail. I saw halfords have a head gasket steel repair that you pour into your coolant and it seals any holes. Anyone used this kind of stuff? Only it's £40

Went for head gasket replacement now running great.