MK5 VW Golf 1.9 Diesel - Cranking but not starting

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Thu 11 Jul 2019 12:25
MK5 VW Golf 1.9 Diesel - Cranking but not starting - Mike Blakeway
Hello!
Every day, the first start of the day, is a long and horrible one. My car cranks but won’t start, for at least a minute, then it eventually goes after a bit of persistence. After this, the car starts fine all day. It’s really becoming quite annoying now, I just want to have this problem resolved!
I’m no mechanic, so I’ve been trying to do things myself with a little help from the internet. This is what I’ve tried so far.
I’ve had it plugged in to the computer and nothing comes up.
I’ve changed the fuel pump relay.
I’ve changed all 4 glow plugs.
Had a new coolant temperature sensor on it.
Serviced with new fuel filter.
I’ve put some diesel cleaner additives through a full tank.
Has anyone had anything the same? It’s odd how once it’s started once, that it’s fine for the remainder of the day, until the next day where it starts all over again.
Any help/input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading
Mike.
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Thu 11 Jul 2019 13:54
MK5 VW Golf 1.9 Diesel - Cranking but not starting - Gibbo_Wirral

Try push-bump starting it. Does that work first time?

If so its your starter - even though it sounds healthy.

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Thu 11 Jul 2019 23:19
MK5 VW Golf 1.9 Diesel - Cranking but not starting - Mike Blakeway
That would come up when plugged in though surely? Also, would it even crank and start at all if it was the starter motor? I’m not questioning your advice by the way, thanks for the reply, just want to check first.
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Fri 12 Jul 2019 00:02
MK5 VW Golf 1.9 Diesel - Cranking but not starting - elekie&a/c doctor
Starter cranking speed is very important on this engine . If it too slow, it will not start . This will not show on the diagnostic system , although you should be able to check engine rpm through live data.
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Fri 12 Jul 2019 00:58
MK5 VW Golf 1.9 Diesel - Cranking but not starting - Avant

If it's cranking fast enough and it isn't the starter or the battery, it might be to do with the fuel feed. Years ago my wife's Peugeot 205 diesel had just been serviced and they'd failed to replace some form of non-return valve properly (I'm no mechanic either!) so that fuel drained back to the tank if left for some hours.

Edited by Avant on 12/07/2019 at 01:00

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Fri 12 Jul 2019 19:06
MK5 VW Golf 1.9 Diesel - Cranking but not starting - Mike Blakeway
Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately due to work, I’m unable to check out any of these methods! Will be sure to do it as soon as I can though! Thanks again for the help. Will send an update, as and when.
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