Car mechanical questions

For the stumbling, I'd be tempted to point the finger at one or more dodgy heater plugs - it'll start, because eventually the starter + running cylinders can heat up the non-running one(s) enough

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by orose

For the stumbling, I'd be tempted to point the finger at one or more dodgy heater plugs - it'll start, because eventually the starter + running cylinders can heat up the non-running one(s) enough

would that happen in the space of a few seconds? i mean, instead of it taking about a second from the starter initiating to the engine catching it now sometimes takes up to 3 or 4. also, could this be intermittent as sometimes it doesn't do it?

i'll try and take a video again this morning

[the_lone_wolf]

ok, video now uploaded:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=keTuX1yeTBk

this was first thing this morning, you can hear what the car starts it's begins turning over normally then stumbles just before it catches, on a bad day that stumble might last 3 or 4 time as long as in the video

sorry about the birds, i never noticed them while i was out there but they're very obvious on the video...

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

would that happen in the space of a few seconds? i mean, instead of it taking about a second from the starter initiating to the engine catching it now sometimes takes up to 3 or 4.

Yup - a diesel engine is a tough beast to start when its cold, but once its been started, it'll be easier thereafter (all day, in the case of my dads 205 diesel).

also, could this be intermittent as sometimes it doesn't do it?

As above, really - its temperature dependant, so it might not happen in warm weather.

[the_lone_wolf]

fair enough, i'll have a word with the local dealer while i'm in town tomorrow...

[the_lone_wolf]

well, she's fixed, for the record the answer we were looking for was the auxiliary belt was dead, and the battery was unserviceable, new belt on now and she purrs like a diesel engine again, i'll be fitting the new battery some time over easter, all my tools are in the office in anticipation of going in on saturday and fitting the new braided hoses to the DRZ...

[embee]

Originally Posted by embee

........ though if the belt is tired it's worth replacing.

....... From your description of stumbling I'd begin to suspect the battery itself anyway.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by embee

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

i'm inclined to think this is the likely cause here...