Volvo S40 (2004 - ) - 06 2.0D Starting problem

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Wed 23 Dec 2009 14:21
06 2.0D Starting problem - Berty
I have owned a '56 diesel SE Sport Volvo for 8 months, bought and last serviced by an independent.
Almost from first getting the car there were intermittent problems with it starting. These got progressively worse.
As the warranty was about to run out I booked the car into the local Volvo garage. Initially it had a software download, then a new ignition switch, then the car would not start at all, and was towed to the garage, outside warranty. It had the "sludge" cleaned out of the tank and a new fuel pump. Sadly this has not cured the problem, and the car is still very unreliable when starting.
I am about to book the car into the Volvo dealership again (for the sixth time) but really have little confidence that they can fix it.
Does anyone have any ideas what the problem might be? Could it perhaps be something to do with the key (as many other things have been looked at). The rain and cold weather don't seem to help but there were also problems in the summer. Once started it always runs very well.
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Wed 23 Dec 2009 16:55
06 2.0D Starting problem - bimmer-driver
'Sludge'??? Not been run on anything other than pump diesel has it?
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Wed 23 Dec 2009 18:35
06 2.0D Starting problem - Berty
The garage referred to "sludge" without saying anything further. It's always had pump diesel while I've owned it, but I can't vouch for before. Even if there was something in the tank, they are meant to have cleaned it out....but clearly it's not fixed the problem
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Thu 24 Dec 2009 12:22
06 2.0D Starting problem - WorkshopTech
COuld be a number of things, but does sound like it might be fuel supply related. If I said more would just be guessing.
Get it to a different repairer, maybe an independent diesel specialist?
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Thu 24 Dec 2009 14:34
06 2.0D Starting problem - gordonbennet
'Sludge'??? Not been run on anything other than pump diesel has it?

That crossed my mind too.
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Thu 24 Dec 2009 19:29
06 2.0D Starting problem - Berty
Thanks for the suggestions.

Just so frustrating! Sometimes it starts no problem but usually it takes several attempts.

Anyway, Happy Christmas to all!
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Thu 24 Dec 2009 19:39
06 2.0D Starting problem - 659FBE
Diesel fuel has quite a steep viscosity/temperature curve. It's quite possible that if the tank has ever contained impurities, a residual may be lodged in the in-tank strainer.

A partially blocked strainer will represent a high impedance to cold fuel, giving starting difficulties. Once running, the return fuel (which is hot and flows back next to the strainer) will locally raise the temperature and improve the fuel flow.

Diesels require excess fuel for starting (hence the puff of black smoke when they first fire up). The fuel system could be marginal in terms of providing excess fuel flow (which usually exceeds max fuel) but just adequate for normal running.

Good fuel system maintenance, together with a good design and intallation is the holy grail of reliable diesel operation.

659.
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Fri 25 Dec 2009 12:02
06 2.0D Starting problem - Berty
Thanks once again.

So the general feeling seems to be that the most likely cause of the problem is that at some point in the past the fuel pump/filter/tank has been contaminated by a foreign body/petrol(?)/or unsuitable diesel?

This seems to be the sort of thing that the work undertaken by Volvo should have cured, but to be honest I have little confidence in their expertise and the work they have done.

Perhaps an independent diesel specialist is indeed the way to go, as the car is out of warranty.
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Mon 22 Nov 2010 12:41
06 2.0D Starting problem - Einar

Diesel fuel has two distinct problems.

1. It contains a small percentage of water. If a vehicle is left unsued for extreme periods, the water promotes the formation of algae, in the form of a slimy sludge which neither the fuel pump, filter, injector pump nor the injectors are able to allow passage.

2. It also has a fair amount of paraffin (wax) in solution, and when the temperature drops below 20F, it congeals, and again is unable to pass thru the fine orifices/strainers on its way to the cylinder.

There are a number of fuel additives which can rectify the problem. Here in the U.S., we have "Power Service" and "Siloo", which can be purchased at any Auto Store. It normally only takes 4 oz. per 20 gal. to keep a diesel going, and at the same time, it completely cleans the system. I would suggest doubling the recommended dosage to accelerate the process. If the problem is truly "sludge", you may have to change the filter several times before all sludge and other debris is fully removed. I'm reasonably certain you have an equivalent treatment where you are.

Einar

U.S. Merchant Marine

Chief Engineer

Steam, Motor (diesel), and Gas Turbine Vessels

Unlimited Horsepower

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Sun 14 Jul 2013 21:16
06 2.0D Starting problem - PeteM3d

Berty, did you get this issue resolved?

I am having a starting problem with the same model S40. Sometimes when I turn the key, nothing happens! Then after a long process of on-off-on it'll finally kick the starter motor and it turns over as normal. I have replaced the starter motor recently and it is currently 30degC here so I can't imagine it's the heater plugs.

Does this sound like what was happening with yours?

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Tue 16 Jul 2013 13:26
06 2.0D Starting problem - Avant

That sounds more like a loose connection in the ignition switch or the starter motor than a fuel feed problem.

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