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406 hdi - cold start up problems - paulq
i have a 2001 406 110 hdi.I was having cold start problems so fitted new glow plugs,that cured it for a few weeks then it started playing up again,sounds like running on 3 cylinders until you blip the throttle then it picks up and runs on four.Now when i pull up at junction etc it starts surging but picks up when you pull away.Car seems to have all its power.I have changed the fuel filter last week but hasn't made any difference,I have also tested the glow plugs and they were fine.Any ideas,hope its not something nasty(big bills)
406 hdi - cold start up problems - Railroad.
You may have one glow plug faulty, or one cylinder slighty low on compression. An injector nozzle could be worn or hosing but it's not uncommon for diesels to misfire for a few seconds when starting on the coldest of mornings.

How many miles has it done and what sort of miles? If it's done over 100,000 miles (or less if only used for short journeys) it might be worth taking it to a diesel fuel specialist to have the injectors tested, and replace them if necessary. I'd carry out a compression check at the same time....
406 hdi - cold start up problems - madf
Has the fuel filter been change din the last 30k miles?
If not do it. Common to clog up and restrict fuel flow..
madf
406 hdi - cold start up problems - paulq
thanks for reply,i have removed the glow plugs again today and tested them,they were all working fine.i have fitted a new fuel filter still no difference.Its done 88,000 miles and gets used for short and long journeys.I suppose the next thing will be to get the injectors tested.It runs lumpy on tickover but seems good when you put your foot down
thanks
406 hdi - cold start up problems - Railroad.
Considering the very high pressure that HDi injectors have to cope with it wouldn't be surprising if yours were worn after 88,000 miles.

A diesel specialist will test them on a machine by looking at the spray pattern and the pressure at which they crack off. Because these injectors are electronic I suspect they'll have to pulse them using the machine, so it's definitely not a DIY job.

A hosing injector will cause bad starting, poor fuel economy and excessive diesel knock and exhaust smoke.....
406 hdi - cold start up problems - paulq
Thanks for replys.I have ordered some millers,never heard of it before but seems popular on this site.Would this clean the injectors or do i have to remove them to get them checked by specialist.What about the injector pump could this be at fault,does it have a filter or drain that i could clean.thanks
406 hdi - cold start up problems - Editor
no expert paulq, but the millers just goes in the tank, no need to remove injectors-in fact DO NOT go anywhere near any point in these fuel systems with a spanner-the pressures involved will blow diesel clean through your skin into your body. Seeing as the following would really do no harm & you've nothing to lose I'd fuel it up with say triple recc dose of millers, take it out for a drive & when the oil & water temps are in their usual warm positions drive it like you stole it, taking it up to the red line a few times. Don't forget to let it idle for a couple mins after you get home-this'll give the turbo a chance to cool before you shut off.

FWIW millers is an additive for every fuel up as it adds extra lubricity into the system, protecting expensive things like pumps. Replacing the injectors is an expensive business & nas for the pump...

I don't enough to know how many filters there are in the line- I think only one & the received wisdom is to replace the filter & it's housing every 30k miles.

Hasn't run out of fuel recently has it? Just a thought.
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www.bayingbasset.com

406 hdi - cold start up problems - paulq
thanks for reply,no hasn't ran out of fuel.About 2 months ago i got a bleep and Antipollution fault on the centre display.This has happened before and i think it just means to change the fuel filter,i done this and its been a lumpy cold starter since.Then the other day i changed the fuel filter again(£10 a filter) and still the same so now i will wait for the Millers to arrive.I quite often drive the car like i stole it anyway ha ha!!. Will let you know if it cures it.thanks
406 hdi - cold start up problems - Editor
Oh no, not THAT light! See below:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=4&t=39...1

As you can see haven't quite got to the bottom of it all yet. FWIW I have been advised to get the car scanned at a pug dealer to see exactly what might be causing this light to come on, in case it's being caused by a consequence of another fault. So far as I understand the light has to be still on in the dash for a dealer to be able to see the fault codes.

I did mention that the fuel filter housing itself is also highly reccomended for replacement when you change the filter as well. I know it could be just a coincidence, but it seems cause & effect down to the change of filter, so it might be worth doing. I wonder if there might be a poor seal somewhere in the filter assembly after reassembly, allowing a bit of air in? Perhaps that's why the housing is recc for replacement as well. Someone else more knowledgable will know.

HTH & do post back with what happens, or doesn't.
--
www.bayingbasset.com

406 hdi - cold start up problems - paulq
no when i changed the fuel filter 2 months ago when the antipollution fault showed on display,when i changed the filter the display went off and has stayed off.thanks
406 hdi - cold start up problems - paulq
got the millers this morning and put triple dose in the tank.I then drove it until normal temp and then drove it like i stole it.Still runs lumpy on tickover but not as bad,does anyone think then problem might go away the more the car is run,or is it time to take it to a diesel specialist.thanks
406 hdi - cold start up problems - paulq
Hello again anyone know the going rate to get my injectors cleaned/reconditioned as been quoted £20 each + vat,and £50 each + vat.thanks
406 hdi - cold start up problems - Collos25
thanks for reply,no hasn't ran out of fuel.About 2 months ago
i got a bleep and Antipollution fault on the centre display.This
has happened before and i think it just means to change
the fuel filter,i done this and its been a lumpy cold
starter since.Then the other day i changed the fuel filter again(£10
a filter) and still the same so now i will wait
for the Millers to arrive.I quite often drive the car like
i stole it anyway ha ha!!. Will let you know if
it cures it.thanks


Put half a pint of petrol in the tank its the same as putting injector cleaner in.