Rover 400 (1995 - 1999) - 98 2.0 Cold Start Issues - diesel

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Mon 4 Jan 2010 11:06
98 2.0 Cold Start Issues - diesel - sudy
Hi There, hoping for a little assistance if possible! I have changed the battery on my rover 420 diesel and in the cold leave the ignition in position three for about a minute to try and get some heat into the glowplugs, however, it is taking longer and longer to start, so much so that I killed the battery this morning...!

I am assuming that new glowplugs would be the best bet, however, have read about the relay being an issue - is it best just to change the glowplugs and see if that helps or do the older Rovers need anything else to get them started?

Many Thanks in advance,

Stuart
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Mon 4 Jan 2010 11:54
98 2.0 Cold Start Issues - diesel - Peter.N.
You can check the glow plugs by connecting a voltmeter between one of the terminals and earth. When you switch to the glow plug position you should have about 10 or 11 volts for as long as the relay stays in, usually about 30 seconds. If you have no volts, the relay is faulty, if you have anything approaching 12 volts not all of the plugs are working. You can test them by disconnecting the lead from each one and measuring the resistance to earth, it should be about one ohm or less.
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Mon 4 Jan 2010 15:45
98 2.0 Cold Start Issues - diesel - piston power
I prefer to take the plugs out and check them on the battery see if they glow but only for approx 3-4 seconds, if they do check the timer is working or relays.

There will be a cold start temp sensor in the coolant this controls the timer to give more heat to the plugs if faulty it can give the impression the engine is warm.
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Mon 4 Jan 2010 19:22
98 2.0 Cold Start Issues - diesel - Peter.N.
That is the best way but testing them in situ is easier.
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