Fiesta 1.8 Diesel (Bad Starting)

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Tue 28 Dec 2004 13:34
Fiesta 1.8 Diesel (Bad Starting) - clord
The cambelt failed recently on my 1996 1.8 Fiesta Diesel Encore (35k miles only). 7 bent valves. It was caused by the the alternator drives belt disintergrating, and pieces getting into the cambelt area and causing it to snap.
A local garage refurbished the head and refitted (££££), however it is now very difficult to start, especially when cold.
The glow plugs have been changed, and I have fitted a new battery.
The garage tested the compression, and told me it was 'ok, but not brilliant'. 'Each cylinder should be over 400, but yours is 350 - 400'' whatever that means.
Apart from the general question of what can I do with the car? what does the 'Cold start' cable do? because mine does not move at all, even when starting from cold.
When I do get it started, if i hold the revs at say 2500, it sometimes just stops running. Is this indicative of an air leak?

Regards


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