New car help....again!

goldspanners

sebdangerfield wrote: »

Done!

Thanks everyone, for the advice. I finally sorted it all out and bought a Citroen Berlingo Van from auction last week for £750. Add on the insurance at £182 and I'm halfway to hungary for the cost of a tyre from my old car!

All seems ok with the van but it's a little reluctant to start first thing in the morning but seems better, not good, the warmer it gets. I've made it obvious I don't have a clue about diesels any ideas? I was thinking glow plugs?

make sure you have 10 - 12v going down to the glow plugs for a short period directly after turning on the ignition. it might be easier if you have your test lamp or meter under the bonnet and someone else turns the key for you.

if theres power there then stick a set of glow plugs in it. if not check your fuses and relays.

AdrianHi

sebdangerfield wrote: »

All seems ok with the van but it's a little reluctant to start first thing in the morning but seems better, not good, the warmer it gets. I've made it obvious I don't have a clue about diesels any ideas? I was thinking glow plugs?

Is the battery just getting old. When cold the voltage output will be lower on any battery. With a battery on it's last legs it could result in slow turn over of the starter motor which has a lot more work to do on a diesel compared to petrol.

somech

if memory serves correct volvos have a 5cylinder vw van engine fairly indestructable i would consider (all diesels)
vw passat
nissan primera
skoda octavia
bmw 325d e36
ford mondeo
renault laguna (old model)
peugeot 405
volvo apart thom that hateful 440

Atelier

I've been running an old Xsara HDi for almost 3 years and have had few unforeseen costs other than its annual service and scheduled maintenance.

X reg SD cost £1600, 80K now 116K
4 middle of the road tyres @ £160 for ones
2 minor annual services @ approx £250 each(unlike the £400+ ones on the Saab that preceded it)
1 major service with cambelt, clutch and front coil/springy thing £700

Just started to look at a replacement and similar Xsaras are £1000. I've got a few dings so will be looking at £500-£600 sale price.

So 3 years will have cost me £2400ish or £800 per year.

sebdangerfield wrote: »

I'm also tempted by the citroen xsaras because of the size. I know the engines either the 1.9 turbo or the 2 hdi (which I guess is the early common rail) and against the advice above but does anyone have any idea about these?

LandyAndy

sebdangerfield wrote: »

Done!

Thanks everyone, for the advice. I finally sorted it all out and bought a Citroen Berlingo Van from auction last week for £750. Add on the insurance at £182 and I'm halfway to hungary for the cost of a tyre from my old car!

All seems ok with the van but it's a little reluctant to start first thing in the morning but seems better, not good, the warmer it gets. I've made it obvious I don't have a clue about diesels any ideas? I was thinking glow plugs?

I bet the gf is well pleased to go everywhere in A VAN.:rotfl:

Slow to start? Does it turn over slowly = probably battery?

or does it turn over Ok but take a long time to fire up = possibly glow plugs?

somech

sounds like glow plugs i its a 1.9d the one behind the injection pump is !!!!!! to change also dont forget the cam belt

davidjwest

If it is glow plugs you could try switching the ignition on a few times before trying to start it. The glow plugs might just take longer to work than normal as they're not warm enough - had this with my old Focus diesel but I did have to replace the plugs anyway a few months later. I think that cost me around £90 but it is a few years ago and my memory isn't what it used to be.

sebdangerfield

LandyAndy wrote: »

I bet the gf is well pleased to go everywhere in A VAN.:rotfl:

Slow to start? Does it turn over slowly = probably battery?

or does it turn over Ok but take a long time to fire up = possibly glow plugs?

She's rather unimpressed! She used to borrow my car frequently but hasn't asked since it became noisy, slow and smelly!

I've been told the glow plug beind the injector's a !!!!!! to do. I changed the battery terminals today and it turns over quicker and starts better but still isn't great. I'll check the voltage at the plugs next.

The guy I bought it off said he did the cam belt and replaced the water pump and head gasket last week but it's very smokey now too so a little worried. Hopefully I just have car hypercondria!

Is there any way to check what the previous owner says is true? I.e could I check the water pump and head has been changed or do I just see if the car starts to overheat? Also is it possible to check the belt's new? I'm guessing I just check visually for the condition?

Hopefully, i'll get it sorted and trust it enough for the trip to hungary.

pwllbwdr

If cleaning the battery clamps helped, have a look at the engine earth strap and its connections.

sebdangerfield

It gets worse!

It became a little smokey today and then whilst driving it lost power, developed a loud rattle from the engine and plumes of thick white smoke flew out the exhaust before the engine went to full revs and wouldn't stop even off the throttle. I turned off the ignition but the engine carried on at full revs and I had to stall it to stop it.

Initially I thought the head had gone because of the smoke but it hadn't lost any coolant or oil and that still wouldn't explain the reving. I'm thinking maybe something to do with the injectors or fuel pump? Anyone got any experience with the 1.9 non-turbo PSA engine? I'm a little stumped!