Engine: TDI: Hard to start

[NI_Volvo_Nut]

Thanks for that Ian, what symptoms did you experience when your timing was 'out'?
The way this thing is running I was thinking there was pump issues before I had started working at it, so this has just confirmed my thoughts. It churns for a good while before firing, but when it does fire, it fires smooth and now without smoke.

[gjd]

Hello

Of the four garages I know in my county that can work on the management system of my car, two are now Bosch specialists. I've only used one of them, and their prices are not far shy of the main dealer. I get a discount at the main dealer because of the age and mileage of my V70!

According to the Bosch site, there is a place called Burnside Garage in Coleraine. If they are equipped to the same level as my local centre, they can get codes from the engine, alarm, aircon and other systems on the car, and they change cam-belts properly (including the timing).

[ian ferguson]

Originally Posted by NI_Volvo_Nut

Thanks for that Ian, what symptoms did you experience when your timing was 'out'?
The way this thing is running I was thinking there was pump issues before I had started working at it, so this has just confirmed my thoughts. It churns for a good while before firing, but when it does fire, it fires smooth and now without smoke.

Hi, My symptoms were, It would turn over a few times before starting, juggling with the throttle and clutch so as not to cut out when starting to move, turbo not kicking in until 2800 revs and slight smoke now and again. It all started when I was doing a three point turn in a hurry, I put it into third instead of first and the engine conked out, it was really difficult to start and when it did there was smoke everywhere I managed to drive it home it was so bad the engine was knocking as well, I thought that was it, end of the road, scrap yard. After quite a few posts on here and and a lot of looking under the bonnet I noticed some teeth missing from the pump belt, still wasn't convinced there wasn't more damage,but since it's been timed it's runs really well. for what it's worth from my experience I think it would be worth getting it timed rather spending a lot on a new pump. Ian

[Chris_Rogers]

There is a DIY option if the car has the MSA 15.7 engine management system this is the earlier version with a mechanical air mass meter.

http://www.ilexa.co.uk/diagnostic-tools/vol-fcr.html

This software will enable you to do the pump dynamic timing and will work with PC interface leads sold for use with VAG-COM version 409.x, note for USB you need a lead with a FTDI chip, most have this.

[NI_Volvo_Nut]

Spoke to a bosch specialist today, turns out, the DTI info I was given is incorrect, fingers crossed.
He had a 1999 V70 2.5TDi, he let me hear it running, and it could barely be heard and hardly turned over before starting, can't imagine mine will be that good, but I'd be happy with easy starting lol

[ian ferguson]

Originally Posted by NI_Volvo_Nut

Spoke to a bosch specialist today, turns out, the DTI info I was given is incorrect, fingers crossed.
He had a 1999 V70 2.5TDi, he let me hear it running, and it could barely be heard and hardly turned over before starting, can't imagine mine will be that good, but I'd be happy with easy starting lol

I think you'll be surprised, as I said before i thought my engine was ruined and now it starts as soon as you turn the key, I do have a little tick from the vacuum pump that I can live with. hope this helps. Ian

[NI_Volvo_Nut]

Originally Posted by ian ferguson

I think you'll be surprised, as I said before i thought my engine was ruined and now it starts as soon as you turn the key, I do have a little tick from the vacuum pump that I can live with. hope this helps. Ian

Well, so far, 1st start after the 're-timing' was no different, pig to start as usual, engine light still on. 2nd start, maybe slightly easier, but sometime it did start easy anyway, still not excited, left it sitting ticking over, checked water level ect (top hose was off), switched off and went in the house for a cuppa. Came back out to go home, started reasonable easy, no engine light on, and although there is snow on the ground, it seems to be running better. I'm still not getting excited though, I still think there is a fault with the pump The drive to Okagh and back this morning will tell the tale I'd say, 50 mile round trip.

[cookie6000]

Hi. Glad to see I have stumbled over some of you lot who are suffering from the same prob as I have been suffering with for the past 4 months. Just remember searching the forum before NI Volvo Nut posted the issue but never found a deffinitive answer! I rebuilt the engine on my '97 850 2.5 at 140k following a cambelt snap (of course not my fault...) but within 3k miles, the starting problems started but minus the smoke. During the cold snap, three or four attempts, gunning the throttle would eventully get it chugging into life. After it starts, it runs great. I'm just getting worried after the last few months of this that the starter will be the next to give out.

NI V Nut, have there been any improvements since the last December? After reading your thread the prognosis on mine looks to be getting a diesel specialist to fine tune electronically the timing after my mechanical 'line up the dots' attempt. Located a recommended local guy here in Dublin so here's hoping!

[NI_Volvo_Nut]

Originally Posted by cookie6000

Hi. Glad to see I have stumbled over some of you lot who are suffering from the same prob as I have been suffering with for the past 4 months. Just remember searching the forum before NI Volvo Nut posted the issue but never found a deffinitive answer! I rebuilt the engine on my '97 850 2.5 at 140k following a cambelt snap (of course not my fault...) but within 3k miles, the starting problems started but minus the smoke. During the cold snap, three or four attempts, gunning the throttle would eventully get it chugging into life. After it starts, it runs great. I'm just getting worried after the last few months of this that the starter will be the next to give out.

NI V Nut, have there been any improvements since the last December? After reading your thread the prognosis on mine looks to be getting a diesel specialist to fine tune electronically the timing after my mechanical 'line up the dots' attempt. Located a recommended local guy here in Dublin so here's hoping!

Not really, got told different settings and set the pump up again, its better, but still not right, but starts easily when the glow plugs work (below 5 degrees). A diesel specialist in Omagh has quoted me £40 to set the timing up and he is almost certain this is whats at fault, but until I know for sure the timing is set right, I cannot go any further. I suspect there is a bigger problem deep down though. I hope to be getting this done on Thurs this week, so I will update then.

[NI_Volvo_Nut]

Well, got it back from the diesel specialist today, has improved power, still not starting any better though. I dipped the oil and the level has went up again, I asked about this and he said that if its using water, thats what is in the oil, appearantly the antifreeze mixes well with oil and doesn't cream, so he suggested giving the head bolts a quick nip down, failing this, looks like I'll be doing a headgasket. Good news is though, the timing was out