Poor starting on 300 Tdi

[ep90]

My 300Tdi (auto) Disco need plenty of cranking to get it started first thing in the morning.  During the day it starts fine.

I checked the power to the glow plugs and this was ok.  I checked the resistance of each plug and that was ok too.  I have replaced all 4 plugs and it has not made any difference.

I was wondering wether it was an earthing problem with the block, but the starter motor turns over fine.  When I get a chance I will try putting a jump lead from the battery (earth!) to the block to see if this makes a difference.

Has anyone else got any ideas what it might be?  The car has FSH so all the filters etc. should be upto date.

[muddyweb]

Might be worth checking the compression.   If that is low on one or more cylinders it could cause poor starting,

[Donald the Disco]

As you don't give too much information, I'll work on this,

Check the earth strap from the engine to the chassis...............
Found down by the rear of the starter motor

I had this problem of bad starting .....then when it did run it was fine, However the down side was that over time the earth strap loses it's ability to do it's job
So the engine looks for the next best earth lead....................

The hand brake cable.................believe me  :?

I ended up buying

new earth strap for engine
new hand brake cable
labour on top.........

Just a thought

[Wanderer]

Pump timing?

If my memory serves me right that's what caused it on Paul's 300.

Ed

[Paul]

My 300tdi had a problem like this, Just after having a new timing
belt fitted, Ran fine and started ok when warm, However when
cold took along time to fire up, The pump timing was out and it
seems to be quite common for this to happen when a new belt
is fitted.... Even when using the correct tools to lock the flywheel
etc etc..

I put the timing right and it made it start instantly when cold,
I took photo's when doing it and the whole job took less than
1 hour, about 20mins if there is no aircon fitted.

Details of what to do are here: http://members.mud-club.com/profiles/paul/gallery/timing

[ep90]

I thought my 300 tdi had electronic control of the pump timing? I was told by the previous owner that the auto diesel models have this to give more power to make up for the auto box?

I have had a quick look on the internet for some more info on this but have'nt found any yet.

Does this sound right?