Hi first post so may as well jump in at the deep end!!!!


I have just brought a 2003 doblo cargo
with starting issues [I did get it cheap though]
it has 104000 miles has been dealer serviced recently
with new fuel filter ect ect
was well looked after
the problem I have is when you try to start it will only start if you press the throttle
you have to keep it at around 2000 revs or it will cut out
although this doesn't happen all of the time but most!!
it will also stall when you stop at junctions ect until I have done 4 or 5 miles then it is fine and purrs like a diesel powered kitten
apart from this the engine ect is mint
has anyone had a problem like this
I am thinking crank sensor faulty but thought I would ask on here first
cheers Steve

steve edwards said:

Hi first post so may as well jump in at the deep end!!!!


I have just brought a 2003 doblo cargo
with starting issues [I did get it cheap though]
it has 104000 miles has been dealer serviced recently
with new fuel filter ect ect
was well looked after
the problem I have is when you try to start it will only start if you press the throttle
you have to keep it at around 2000 revs or it will cut out
although this doesn't happen all of the time but most!!
it will also stall when you stop at junctions ect until I have done 4 or 5 miles then it is fine and purrs like a diesel powered kitten
apart from this the engine ect is mint
has anyone had a problem like this
I am thinking crank sensor faulty but thought I would ask on here first
cheers Steve

Click to expand...

Hi,
starting well means it's obviously in OK condition,

Diagnostics could save a LOT of head scratching , and parts swapping,
Charlie

had an old nasp peugeot that did this, changed glow plugs and all was fine.

maybe check filter and fuel return for any leaks of diesel, maybe air in the fuel system.

is the throttle run by cable or electronic potentiometer?

does it smoke?

Have had it on diagnostic today no codes logged
There is no smoke and glow plugs are new

Could be injection pump timing.
The injection pump has internal timing that has to be set by a diesel specialist, the type of place that reconditions pumps and injectors.
Check temp sensor reading when cold with diagnostics.
Check for live to your glow plugs, use a test light with a bulb.
Check for air leak into fuel line before pump.

Thefox said:

Could be injection pump timing.
The injection pump has internal timing that has to be set by a diesel specialist, the type of place that reconditions pumps and injectors.
Check temp sensor reading when cold with diagnostics.
Check for live to your glow plugs, use a test light with a bulb.
Check for air leak into fuel line before pump.

Click to expand...

agreed , I'd forgotten it was such - old tech -

at 2003 the OBD is going to be limited also

generally if the glowplugs are not getting all cylinders HOT enough to burn efficiently - you would have SMOKE.

it definitely sounds as if "enrichment" at lower engine temps is lacking,
whether through pump -setup,
poor temp monitoring
or another issue.

how does the temp gauge show..??,

I'd look at egr valve, sounds suspect.

Cheers foe the replies
The temp gauge seems to read normal
Had it ticking over today
After using the throttle to keep it going
When it warms up a bit after around 15mins it does tick over although it was slightly hunting I have noticed the mil light comes on sometimes so does the glowplug light
But again no codes logged

Bit of an update that may help others.
Today had to look at the van due to not ticking over at all
Limped it home checked glow plugs only to find the one behind the pump duff so got another and fitted it. Whilst I was at it I noticed that the egr was blanked off with no form of seal so soon cured that
However upon start up which it did a hell of a lot better than before
But it still wouldnt tick over
So I thought fuel pump had a look and saw 2 solenoids on top
Anyway I thought I would put my tool bag on throttle a bi just enough to keep it running
The engine was hunting and almost cutting out so I tapped the solenoids with a ratchet
And that was the fix istant
Smoothness
Took it for a rub and by god she's perfik
Starting first time every time and anice tickover
Ao my 200 quid van has cost me the grand total of 11.40
So if you have any of the issues that I had try tapping the lucas epic pump on top hope thi helps others save a fortune replacing a pump for no reason
Cheers Steve