Whilst this has been covered a little in another thread, I felt it needed a specific thread to get some advice.
My TD SX (1993 Mk.2) is a very poor starter. I've changed the glow plugs and in spite of the fact that I have not tested the old ones they certainly didn't look like they would not work. The problem I am having is that when I turn the ignition on, the glowplug light stays on for 20 seconds! What is even more weird is the fact that when the light goes out and I start the car, the light comes on again for about 5 seconds! From a cold start up the car misfires occasionally with a puff of white smoke (unburnt fuel) on every misfire. I live on a road near a lot of schools and it's getting a little embarrasing smoking out a load of children every morning with their disapproving mothers looking on (especially since I am Manager of a Pollution Control section of a Local Authority!).
Am I right in saying that there is some sort of glowplug control box which determines their use dependant on engine temperature etc.? Could this be at fault? If so, how can I test it? Incidentally, it's not a great starter even when warm, taking a few cranks to get going. Any advice
My TD SX (1993 Mk.2) is a very poor starter. I've changed the glow plugs and in spite of the fact that I have not tested the old ones they certainly didn't look like they would not work. The problem I am having is that when I turn the ignition on, the glowplug light stays on for 20 seconds! What is even more weird is the fact that when the light goes out and I start the car, the light comes on again for about 5 seconds! From a cold start up the car misfires occasionally with a puff of white smoke (unburnt fuel) on every misfire. I live on a road near a lot of schools and it's getting a little embarrasing smoking out a load of children every morning with their disapproving mothers looking on (especially since I am Manager of a Pollution Control section of a Local Authority!).
Am I right in saying that there is some sort of glowplug control box which determines their use dependant on engine temperature etc.? Could this be at fault? If so, how can I test it? Incidentally, it's not a great starter even when warm, taking a few cranks to get going. Any advice