Hi hope you can help.
I’m having trouble starting my 2011 Fiat Ducato Motorhome, taking a lot of time.
It’s been stood for a few months, but engine started and run for a while in situ. every few weeks which may have clogged it up?
It may just need a very good run or I may not be using the correct start up procedure. Could do with a few tips about how to ensure things are running well.
Is there a correct procedure for starting?
Is there anything I could add to the fuel to help shake off the cobwebs?
Will taking it for a long run make matters worst, clogging up things?
Thanks in anticipation.
K

The best way to shake off the cobwebs from a car thats standing for the long time is following sequence:
1. Charge the battery
2. Inspect engine compartment accessory belt leaks oil level etc, consider to change at least fuel filter if the car stood for more than 2 years
3. Heat up glow plugs few times cycle the ignition on/10 sec of on/10sec off on and hold it till glowplug light goes off
4. Try to crank it and see if it starts
5. After starting it let it idle for 5 minutes
6. Put fresh diesel in it try to leave the car with minimal fuel level if possible
7. Take a long ride starting from slow creep into good highway cruise with few power runs when possible
8. After warm up lap check everything under the hood leaks oil coolant belts etc.
9. Before taking it to road trip inspect the vehicle condition tyres brakes , do the maintenance if required or if the car stood for more than 2 years .
10. Go on vacation
IMPO dont use any additives only fresh fuel , and no the long run wont clog anything if everything is in working condition but make sure the run to be long enough for engine to clean the dpf if you have one.
Best regards.

flyingdutch said:

The best way to shake off the cobwebs from a car thats standing for the long time is following sequence:
6. Put fresh diesel in it try to leave the car with minimal fuel level if possible
IMPO dont use any additives only fresh fuel , and no the long run wont clog anything if everything is in working condition but make sure the run to be long enough for engine to clean the dpf if you have one.
Best regards.

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I always read its best to put motorhomes away with a full tank to prevent condensation in the tank, and to add an additive to prevent fungus growing in the diesel.

Thanks Very Much!
The motorhome has only been stood since November, so not that long compared with your ‘two years’. Was a bit worried that the poor starting was because I’ve been starting it up, but not going anywhere. Starting to use it and did a 40 mile round trip the other day. Will keep doing trips like that for a few weeks, then off to the New Forest from Lancashire so that should blow the cobwebs off a bit more. Thanks for the advice.

Do try to fill the tank as close to the winterseson as you can.
Winter diesel does not form parafine ? wich clogs up filters and lines at cold temperatures.
And ALWAYS add an quality anti algae product for the out of use period!
Algae became a big problem the last10-15years here on the mainland.
Expensive to get rid of...

Situations worsens if you get condensationwater in your fuel becausse you put it away with an empty tank!!

And always check the airfilter if you didnt had visit of mouse who eat it and/or died in it. Happens a lot with Ducato model 250!

I hope you post your solution here after you found it.
Sucses and much camping fun!
Kind regards ben
(retired mechanic with 40 years diesel experience)

Excellent advice, although it was only parked up for three months that period with a third of a tank could have caused what you suggest. Not sure about the mouse, will have a look at the weekend? ��

Hi KarlMather
For what it's worth, I always fill the tank completely before leaving my 2009 Ducato Motorhome parked up. Engine battery stays on charge, as I have mains supply available. Starting procedure is to turn key, wait about one second for the glowplug light to go out, turn key further to crank the engine and it always starts after a second or two of cranking (even after being left for 2 months). I never run the engine unless I can do a trip of at least 20 miles. I realise this won't be much comfort to you but it does suggest that the behaviour of your engine is abnormal. Before doing anything else, I would check that the battery is up to the job, i.e. it can crank the engine over sufficiently quickly.

i would,nt call 3 months an especially long layover-but after even a couple of weeks the front discs are lightly corroded and the handbrake sticks like hell on mine lol -dont know how many miles you do per annum -but lots of oil and diesel filter changes ensures long life imo-after all the hill work the old girl has been doing, the brake fluid had plenty of air in it too when i changed the fluid after only about 6k miles, and 7 months, felt miles better too after!