glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d

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Thu 16 Mar 2006 22:08
glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d - mr_b
were having real trouble starting our bus on these cold mornings ,the colder it gets harder she is to start ,we think we must have a glow plug prob,the 50 amp fuse is fine and there is a good feed to this point ,the next problem is the glow plugs are a real swine to get to ,what is the easiest way to check them and how, any suggestions would be a great help ,once started shes fine all day but when left over night the problems begin,weve even had to tow her once because the battery drained trying to start her and within a matter of yards she started,its only started doing this in this very cold weather but if we leave her until later in the day when it warms up a bit she will start but with a struggle
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Thu 16 Mar 2006 22:21
glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d - pafosman
Baloo.
Whilst not exactly answering your question just beware what could be done! I take it you are talking about the 5 cyl engine? IIRC the heater plugs on No 1, 2, & 4 are reasonably easy to change, No 3 is difficult and No 5 is v difficult (thats polite!) I had had the same probs as you with my bus and it was apparently 'cured' by replacing the three easy ones only. Later my local trusted garage showed me that No 5 had never been replaced and No 3 prob not either. They also suggested that this was one occasion to use brand name and not copy kit. Once all 5 had been replaced it was fine.

Good luck
Papho
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Thu 16 Mar 2006 22:52
glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d - elekie&a/c doctor
I think you will find that the complete front panel & radiator & fan assy can be unbolted from the top & hinged forward to give better access to the glow plugs.
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Thu 16 Mar 2006 23:02
glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d - mr_b
yes indeed its the 5 cyl thanks for your quick reply
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Fri 17 Mar 2006 11:09
glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d - HarlequinVW
Some of the vw diesel engines give starting trouble like this (when cold) if the fuel pump is not electronically re-timed after a cambelt change. I guess a stretched or badly tensioned belt could give the same effect.
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Fri 17 Mar 2006 12:55
glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d - mr_b
thanks all for your replies ,my father in law has tested the plugs and yes you guessed it 2 are down and the ones which are a swine to get at ,so out come the spanners and a lot of swearing
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Fri 17 Mar 2006 13:26
glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d - HarlequinVW
you can buy a special tool for glow plugs, maybe one of those would make the job easier?
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Fri 17 Mar 2006 23:34
glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d - mr_b
where would we find one of these and are they any good to use cheers
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Sat 18 Mar 2006 00:09
glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d - bell boy
just a longer socket i would have thought?
--
\"a little man in a big world/\"
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Sat 18 Mar 2006 08:59
glowplugs vw caravelle 2.4 d - jc2
And as I said elsewhere if you lose one(or more)of the nuts,they sell suitable ones in Halfords.
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