2000 Ducato 2.8 Tdi started this morning just like always haven't had any issues. Then within 5 seconds I turned the steering wheel hard over to Max "lock" and engine stalled won't start now but white smoke when cranking. Meter at pump 10v. While cranking everything else seems ok also. Any suggestions?

This sounds crazy but if yours is a RV, does it have a powered hab' step? My Motorhome did something similar to this and it was related to the step switch.

Yes an RV.

Cycled step but no luck.

Just can't reason why diesel vapor coming out of exhaust? Why is it not combusting?

FYI removed Immobilizer years ago, can rule that out.

umanemo said:

Just can't reason why diesel vapor coming out of exhaust? Why is it not combusting?

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Perhaps the hard lock caused a problem with the belt that has caused the timing to be out?

Just drained fuel filter. Still cranking diesel vapor and no combustion.

Stranded in the middle of nowhere at a McD's for Wi-Fi 1Km from camper.

Any suggestions welcome.

I saw the post about belt. Could that really happen?

Fuel pump voltage OK ✓
Fuel supply ✓
Fuel filter ✓
Glow plugs? Lamp on dash goes off after 2 seconds ✓
All fuses OK ✓
White vaporized diesel exhausted while cranking starter but no combustion?✓
Sudden failure following no suspicious issues?✓

Could the EGR valve cause this issue?

I'm stumped. Where to start to get it started???

Found reference to faulty glow plugs and or relay on this forum.

Anyone know how to troubleshoot them? Where is relay, where are glow plugs?

The 2.8TDi has a thermostart system rather than glow plugs in each cylinder. (this is a single unit which looks rather similar to a glow plug located in the inlet manifold)

However unless the temperature is several degrees below zero the engine will easily start without this device firing up.

I have similar set up on my 2.5tdi I would suspect when you went full lock you have pulled a spade connecter apart some where on your electrical system I would suspect the wire to your pump solenoid valve because if that valve is not getting current the motor will do exactly what you have described. I have a dead switch fitted which does exactly that it cuts of fuel so wont start stops the thieves. good luck

I would check timing belt tension and put a spanner on the crank pulley and turn it over by hand to check compression in case he timing belt has slipped.

jontee61 said:

I have similar set up on my 2.5tdi I would suspect when you went full lock you have pulled a spade connecter apart some where on your electrical system I would suspect the wire to your pump solenoid valve because if that valve is not getting current the motor will do exactly what you have described. I have a dead switch fitted which does exactly that it cuts of fuel so wont start stops the thieves. good luck

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Thanks Jon. Solenoid connector is 12v.when cranking. Lots of unburned vapor from exhaust proves there's fuel getting to cylinders. Glow plugs maybe?

If no glow of the plugs then would it ever start? Is it possible to use a starter spray like used on petrol engines? Just to get it running to get it to a shop?

Crossingkeeper said:

The 2.8TDi has a thermostart system rather than glow plugs in each cylinder. (this is a single unit which looks rather similar to a glow plug located in the inlet manifold)

However unless the temperature is several degrees below zero the engine will easily start without this device firing up.

Click to expand...

This is what is so perplexing, engine usually starts in a flash, just as fast as I can turn the key, no waiting for glow plug warm up is ever necessary. Can't figure out what suddenly stopped it, it was running 5-10 seconds then just stopped. It was a total surprise, always reliable and never a problem till this.

Opened intake at manifold (at the Thermostart) on cranking ignition no glow but when jumpered to 12v it didn't glow obviously but did vape fumes. I didn't jumper the small solenoid with it though but I assume this means Tstart is working. Tstart relay has 12v on red terminal but when cranking no voltage at brown terminal. Its 14 ambient air temp here would relay kick in the Tstart at this block temp?

Still not starting.

Some interesting comments here but no solution yet.

https://www.fiatforum.com/ducato/182714-ducato-2-8jtd-starting-problem.html

Giving in... Calling ADAC Italy for tow to shop. Wish me and my credit card luck!

AND THE WINNER IS (well sort of)

rayc said:

Perhaps the hard lock caused a problem with the belt that has caused the timing to be out?

Click to expand...

Fuel pump pulley slipped... Wait for it... A mouse got in there and couldn't keep up with the treadmill! Really! Mechanic held up a corrugated rat that got between the belt and pulley. Belt slipped over rat on pulley one notch.