• fault code says p0321 engine speed sensor intermittent
• Have changed the crankshaft sensor but no different

I'd start with a new battery as if weak they can throw up issues.

The wiring for the crankshaft sensor can fail due to all that lovely pd vibration so worth changing. Obviously it could be a damaged ring on the end of the crank - what is the cars history, any engine rebuild work in the past?

One thing that caused me an issue in the past was the anti shudder valve that operates as the engine is turned off to quickly stop it - if it sticks or the vacuum system is having problems then it may not be working properly which MAY cause starting problems.

Another thing to consider is the tandem diesel fuel pump on the end of the cam shaft, it's also a vacuum pump for the brakes and vacuum control systems. This is a known potential fail on this generally reliable engine. Does the sump oil smell excessively of diesel?

Another fail on the engine is the injector wiring loom that sits in oil and goes hard - unlikely here as the car runs fine once started.

Probably not glow plugs as it's the same hot or cold and the pd was always pretty good at starting even if they weren't working well.

Struggling re memory as it's been nearly 10 years since I meddled with the pd engine.

Edited by Big John on 22/01/2024 at 22:02