Technical Ducato Flamestart

[mcubbin]

Morning Folks new member, I have recently bought a 1999 Hymer motorhome on a Ducato 2.8 idtd chassis, while driving the flame start light flickers intermittently, often takes 30-50 minutes driving before it starts and it comes and goes, I understand that they only work at low temperatures and it does not appear to have any effect on the running of the engine it also starts very easily, although I have not tried to start it in cold weather. Any suggestions on how to diagnose the issue. Thanks

 

[Communicator]

Morning Folks new member, I have recently bought a 1999 Hymer motorhome on a Ducato 2.8 idtd chassis, while driving the flame start light flickers intermittently, often takes 30-50 minutes driving before it starts and it comes and goes, I understand that they only work at low temperatures and it does not appear to have any effect on the running of the engine it also starts very easily, although I have not tried to start it in cold weather. Any suggestions on how to diagnose the issue. Thanks

I believe that with the 2.8idTD engine, the flame starter is controlled by a dedicated module, similar to a glow plug controller. Given the age of the vehicle this module, which is rather more than a relay, would be my prime suspect. As to diagnosis you could try running with the module unplugged. If this removes the flickering light problem, then perhaps try a replacement module.

Sourcing a compatible module may present a greater problem.

 

[porta]

I believe that with the 2.8idTD engine, the flame starter is controlled by a dedicated module, similar to a glow plug controller. Given the age of the vehicle this module, which is rather more than a relay, would be my prime suspect. As to diagnosis you could try running with the module unplugged. If this removes the flickering light problem, then perhaps try a replacement module.

Sourcing a compatible module may present a greater problem.

As you say, sourcing the module is the issue. There was a thread covering this a month or two ago and, despite all our efforts, ‘we’ could only find one second hand one for sale!
Despite a couple of sites in Poland, no one found any new items and the seller no longer exports to the UK and, upon investigation, they were out of stock.

 

[Communicator]

A possible solution to the supply problem would be to use a high current relay controlled from ignition via separate switch.

 

[porta]

You can still get flame start parts for agri and plant equipment, the issue is wiring them in to suit the existing wiring, trigger wires for ‘other services’ and warning lights. That includes timer relays or more complicated modules…as i

NGK Glow Plug Lamp Timer Dc12V Time Relay For Kubota 15694-65992 S81Nl RF | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NGK Glow Plug Lamp Timer Dc12V Time Relay For Kubota 15694-65992 S81Nl RF at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[mcubbin]

Many thanks for all of your comments, would anyone with a similar vehicle be able to tell me where the control relay is and what it looks like? Also as the flame start seems to only need to operate at low temperatures would there be any harm in just disconnecting it, being a motorhome I doubt I will be tempted to use it when is that cold.

 

[camionpilot]

As its an NGK unit , give there uk site a ring for wireing advice , very helpful people , have used them in the past when i had a grass machinery dealership .

 

[Communicator]

Many thanks for all of your comments, would anyone with a similar vehicle be able to tell me where the control relay is and what it looks like? Also as the flame start seems to only need to operate at low temperatures would there be any harm in just disconnecting it, being a motorhome I doubt I will be tempted to use it when is that cold.

See this thread.

 

[mcubbin]

See this thread.

Thanks for the link, I though that may be the case.