Cold starting problem, Xsara 1.9td (98 reg)

spratley

In normal temperatures this starts OK, but when it gets down to around zero I have a real problem starting it. The engine turns over fine, but just won't fire. If I keep cranking it, it usually starts up, though it wouldn't start at all today! Fortunately it's a new battery.
Back in the spring/summer of 2012 I started adding a bit of veg oil (new, from supermarket) to the tank, but only a few litres here and there. Not sure if the problem is because of this, or not? I have refilled with diesel quite a few times, so would have thought that the veg oil would have been flushed out, or at least well diluted by now. I also changed the fuel filter a few weeks ago - the old filter looked pretty clogged up & there was a rusty looking deposit in the filter housing. It started much better after this, but the weather was not so cold!
Also wondering if it's a glow plug problem. Many years ago I changed 2 of the glow plugs, then gave up as it was a pig of a job! So I have 2 plugs left, which I could try changing (!) - any tips for doing this a bit more easily & without snapping them would be much appreciated! Car is 15 yrs old now, but still runs well - if I can start it!
Cheers...

Splott

It sounds like a glowplug problem, either the plugs or the relay. Tips for doing it without snapping them? Pay a garage to do it and then if they snap them it is their problem to sort it out.

Hasbeen

As above sounds like glow plugs around £33 for 4 from eurocarparts with code.

Would do no harm to change them.

But changed 4 in a toyota avensis yesterday on testing old ones only one was working. but car still started in cold after a few turns?

Also recheck fuel filter is not letting air in to system, all tightened up and sealed?

mgdavid

if it's not the glowplugs it could well be the injectors; if they are worn or gummed up they tend to inject a stream of fuel droplets instead of a fine spray mist, making combustion harder. They can be professionally cleaned, or just renewed.

Quinny_2

The 1.9 engine is the old variant, (XUD9.) and will be glow plug dependant.

Squeeze the priming bulb first to pressure the system, as you may have a small air leak. If ok, check the relay that controls the plugs is clicking, and that you get a 12v output on it with the multimeter, and it goes off after say 10 seconds. Then put the multimeter on each glowplug with the rail wire removed, and in ohms, there should be little between them at around 4 ohms. If it's a lot higher, then you have a duff plug. It's not been known for all 4 to be off though.

If they need replacing, it is recommended you get Beru ones, as they seem to be the best for the XUD engine.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Glow-Plug-CITROEN-XSARA-97-00-Beru-/300812180157?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3ACitroen%7CModel%3AXsara&hash=item4609cd9abd

Oh and you may find that one of them is a right !!!!!! to change, but if your having trouble getting them out, a small drop of oil down them and allowed to soak in, may help.