Technical Hard to Start Punto 1.9 Diesel

[stonebrother]

Hi Everyone.

My 2007 Punto sport 1.9 is having some trouble starting in the mornings. This can be on a cold or hot day. I was just wondering if this was normal or should I be doing something about it.
This is about 2 weeks after a service.




Cheers

 

[JimbbobW1977]

That's the same as mine was. It's normal.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Did you let the plugs warm up? Sounds like you just started it cold

 

[stonebrother]

Yeah I wait for all the lights to go off before trying to start it.

On the same day If I start it in the afternoon (once its been started like this in the morning) its fine and starts right up with no smoke.

 

[Reuuk]

its a common thing with the Mjets, you learn to live with it. I always used to let glow plug light go out. turn key off and do it again then start with the clutch in.

 

[Cadabena]

The trick is to wait for the fuel pump to go quiet before starting. Normally takes a few seconds after the glow plug light goes out.

 

[stonebrother]

I have made some changes to the car and it starts a lot better now.

I used Wynn's diesel inject-a-clean to try to help clean the fuel system and installed an egr blanking plate. I installed the one with the small hole to avoid the check engine light coming on. I also started it with the clutch as well.

I'm happy with the results for now.

 

[Cadabena]

Glad to hear you've sorted it mate. I forgot how tractorish the 1.9s sound compared to the 1.3

How simple was fitting the EGR plate? It's something I've always lightly considered.

 

[Jacob]

Is blanking the egr really a good idea? I cleaned my egr and performance was improved but quickly went back to before.

I worry about the effects though.

What plate did you use? Do you have a link?

Cheers

 

[stonebrother]

Yeah its my little red tractor haha

Its really easy to install. Goes between the egr and the tube heading into the throttle body. Just need to take off two allen head bolts and remove the gasket that's already there.

I got the one with the hole in it so I doubt there will be any adverse effects as it still lets some exhaust gas through so the egr valve wont become blocked. I guess it will just keep my oil cleaner for longer.

This is it:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110902313955?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I will check it in a month or two to make sure everything is ok.

 

[barbary_coaster]

The trick is to wait for the fuel pump to go quiet before starting. Normally takes a few seconds after the glow plug light goes out.

This is the answer!!


After several visits to Fiat dealers in Greece, much head scratching by mechanics, glow plug changes, etc, I stumbled across this solution.


Turn the key to on and wait for the fuel pump to stop, do this a second time, and after months of problems the car starts first turn.


I guess its something to do with fuel pressure? Certainly can't blame the cold out here.