NP diesel slow to fire

[BrokeAnt6]

My NP diesel takes longer to start when cranking over ( Probably about 5 secs, but used to be much quicker).

300000ks up and never had the glow plugs replaced, so thinking they may be a bit suspect by this.

It happens on all starts and I can be driving for an hour, turn off the motor and it still takes a while to fire if I try it immediately.

Any ideas anyone?
Cheers
Reg

[spot01]

I doubt it would be glow plugs, as they are only needed for cold starts.

Did it suddenly get slower, or has it gradually got slower over a long time?

Is the battery in good condition with clean connections?

Does it crank fast or has it slowed down?

Has diesel fuel been allowed to run into the starter motor when changing fuel filters?

[erad]

You may have a slight air leak in your fuel line or the filter. The air gets expelled through the injectors as you are cranking. If you stop the engine for longer periods is it any harder to start? If it is, then air leak is a prime suspect (pardon the pun).

[Nab]

My money is on the starter motor. Common issue, easily and relatively cheap to fix. Just get your battery checked first and make sure the connections are all tight and clean.

[Terryo]

My money is on the starter motor. Common issue, easily and relatively cheap to fix. Just get your battery checked first and make sure the connections are all tight and clean.

My money is on the starter motor as well. I have had it happen twice but 160 000 km apart. Second time was due to a slow diesel leak from a fuel pump line. Do check battery and connections first though.
Mine was about 3 weeks from when I noticed it not starting as quickly to not starting at all.
So it is something that needs sorting out sooner rather than later. Lucky mine stopped working completely in the driveway, both times and both times was after been driven earlier in the day.

There are instructions on here on how to recondition it yourself or like I did take it out yourself and get an auto electrician to do it, cost me $85 last time.

Terry

[BrokeAnt6]

NP diesel slow to fire

Hi All
Did it suddenly get slower, or has it gradually got slower over a long time? It happened pretty quickly

Is the battery in good condition with clean connections? battery a month ago

Does it crank fast or has it slowed down? Seems to crank at normal speed althouigh a bit slower to get to speed i reckon

Has diesel fuel been allowed to run into the starter motor when changing fuel filter No

If you stop the engine for longer periods is it any harder to start? If it is, then air leak is a prime suspect (pardon the pun). No, same whether hot or cold.

Thanks all for the replies. I will get the starter motor tested and see what they think.
Cheers
Reg

[erad]

The OP stated that his Pajero takes longer to start, not the starter motor is going slower. My reading of his original post is that the starter motor is turning at normal speed, but it has to turn for longer to start the engine. BrokeAnto - - is this correct?

[BrokeAnt6]

Hi erad
The starter motor seems to start a bit slower and then gains speed to normal, then after a few more seconds the engine fires with usually a touch of black smoke from the exhaust. I am thinking this may be from unburnt fuel while cranking.
Thanks
Reg

[erad]

If the engine is slow to fire after an hour's running, it is not the glow plugs - they only come in when it is cold. An air leak will extend the cranking time the longer you leave it. If the cranking time is 'constant' regardless of how long it has been stopped, then it is not an air leak. You could try bleeding the fuel lines to see if that improves the start time Bleed the lines BEFORE you try to crank the engine. If there is an improvent, air is the answer.

[BrokeAnt6]

Thanks Guys, Still looking for the cause, but as yet haven't had the starter motor checked out as a few things happening at the moment.
Will keep you updated when I get further news
Cheers

[BrokeAnt6]

Problem Solvered with hard starting NP Diesel

Firstly,
A big thank you to all who replied to my query re starting. Had it all checked out and it was as a few guys said, the starter motor. It was drawing twice the normal current and yes it was turning slower than normal, especial at the beginning of trying to turn the engine over.
Glow plugs and injectors are still 100% good, so I am happy with that.
Engine fires on first turn of the starter motor now.
Thanks again to all.
This is a great forum for us Paj owners
Cheers
Reg

[Nab]

Thanks for the follow up!