Technical glow plugs

[itsonlyme]

I have recently bought a 2007 1.3 Multijet for my son, the car came as a non runner with a broken cam chain, I have replaced the chain and water pump and the car with fsh and 58k runs well, my question is, when I turn the ignition on I see the glow plug light for around one second and then its gone, it is a slow starter and requires several turns of the engine before starting, is this glow plugs or a relay ?

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi

The glow light should flash after start if there is a fault..

Read the fault codes.. if no preheat errors recorded..

Check the HP rail pressures the ECU is seeing

Charlie

 

[DaveMcT]

See here

Shouldn't need a whole new engine.

Even if valves have met pistons, these engines are rather clever in having sacrificial rockers that break saving the valves from damage, put the timing right preferably with a new chain and tentioner kit which isn't very expensive, and replace any broken rockers which are inexpensive, and you're good to go.

A replacement engine is likely to cost £500 - £1000; when factoring in labour costs, new clutch (which you'd e stupid not to do while the engine is out) and any parts that get damaged or need replacement, such as clips, nuts and bolts finally a full service of the new engine, assuming you don't know when it was last serviced. All this makes it most likely uneconomical to repair

Where as...
Complete set of rockers £120 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-1-3-JTD-Multijet-Diesel-Set-of-16-Rocker-arms-Lifters-cover-gasket/112587625325?hash=item1a36bed36d:g:jwgAAOSwK89Z04bX

Complete timing chain and cam locking tools £85 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-MITO-1-3-JTD-JTDM-MULTIJET-DIESEL-TIMING-CHAIN-KIT-LOCKING-TOOLS/302343742888?epid=685323709&hash=item46651765a8:g:m6oAAOSwHjNV9CGV

Cost of labour far less than an all out engine replacement, the car keeps the right engine and you know all the history.

 

[itsonlyme]

Hi

The glow light should flash after start if there is a fault..

Read the fault codes.. if no preheat errors recorded..

Check the HP rail pressures the ECU is seeing

Charlie

thanks for the advice, although I am familiar with this engine I have not had Panda before,

the glowplug light stayed on slightly longer this morning and the car started instantly, I did put on my very basic code reader and got PO226, I have driven the car a short distance and it seems to drive ok,

the only other observation is that the fuel tank pump seems to run for several seconds when the ignition is turned on, is this normal ?

 

[itsonlyme]

I was extremely lucky with this engine, it must of snapped at tickover, not one broken rocker, I have salvaged quite a few of these and its a first

 

[varesecrazy]

thanks for the advice, although I am familiar with this engine I have not had Panda before,

the glowplug light stayed on slightly longer this morning and the car started instantly, I did put on my very basic code reader and got PO226, I have driven the car a short distance and it seems to drive ok,

the only other observation is that the fuel tank pump seems to run for several seconds when the ignition is turned on, is this normal ?

Ive got 3 mj Grande Punto they all run for a while.. and start instantly

Im sure its all standard parts..
my relay -timer quest used the panda section mainly..
Odd how this isnt behaving like your others though..

Not related to the panda airbox problems?

 

[PuntoHowTo]

The glow plug light doesn’t stay on for a fixed period it will vary depending on how cold the engine is. It maybe you just have a weak glow plug that still works with the right resistance but isn’t heating up as well as it used to?

On a colder day given slightly longer to warm up it might be the plug worked better hence the better success on a colder day. If the car is still starting then id be inclined to cope with it.

Does it start ok when the engine is warm ie when the glow plugs arent needed ?

 

[DaveMcT]

I can't comment on Fiat MJ engines but I've had failed glow plugs becoming impossible to remove without removing the cylinder head. I would suggest removing them all for exam and testing on the bench.


Then again, a full set of Bosch brand is just £22.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOR-ALFA...259828&hash=item2d06a5fcb4:g:bOIAAOSw5pBdfBqI

 

[A3jeroen]

Make sure the complete fuelsystem (incl dieselfilter) is airtight.

gr J

 

[koalar]

On previous diesels I found my glow plugs need changing when to was hard to start. But improved of I waited for the lamp to go put. Turned the ignition off. Then cycled through a few times before cranking over.


Week battery and/or starter motor also cause slow starting.


Check for any diesel weeping anywhere