80 Series - Slow to start (1 Viewer)

[White80series]

Good afternoon Gents,

I picked up a 1993 1HDT 80 Series a couple of days ago. Its becoming slower and slower to start. BUT when i put a jumper pack on it, it turns over quickly so i figured battery was buggered but with new battery, same thing seems to be occurring.

- Its got 201,000km on her
- Starter motor was replaced 29th October last year (Denso)
- New battery put in today (Yuasa N70ZZLX MF)
- I have tested the voltage at the starter motor on the large cable, its over 12v
- Added battery monitor BMV12. Cranking voltage was 9.89v which it deemed a pass.
- Charging voltage in idle 14.16v, charge voltage in high RPM (2500 for 5 secs) 14.33v One caveat with this, i don't know if it was over 2500 the entire time, may need to retest.

Any suggestions on what to try next?

Thanks in advance

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Cranking voltage is lower than expected on a new battery. Have you got a battery charger to run the battery on for 24 hours or so?

Other thing to check is the condition of the battery terminals, cables going to the starter and grounds. Make sure the connections are clean and tight.

 

[CJF]

Its becoming slower and slower to start.

Do you mean it has trouble cranking? Or do you mean it cranks fine but takes a while to fire up?

 

[White80series]

Do you mean it has trouble cranking? Or do you mean it cranks fine but takes a while to fire up?

Hi, Cranks fine but takes a while to kick over.

@AussieHJCruza Thank you, i will get onto this today, give them a good clean up etc and go from there

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Hi, Cranks fine but takes a while to kick over.

@AussieHJCruza Thank you, i will get onto this today, give them a good clean up etc and go from there

Just to clarify some terminology:

What do you mean by 'takes a while to kick over?" - does the engine crank for longer than usual before starting, or does it crank slowly?

If it's the first, then when it starts, does it start cleanly and normally?

 

[White80series]

Just to clarify some terminology:

What do you mean by 'takes a while to kick over?" - does the engine crank for longer than usual before starting, or does it crank slowly?

If it's the first, then when it starts, does it start cleanly and normally?

Hey, It cranks for longer than usual and then once the engine has started, all is well.

This occurs regardless of its the first start of the day or 5th with a warm engine.

I haven't had a chance to get out and clean the terminals and check cables like has previously been suggested but will get time tomorrow and report back

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Hey, It cranks for longer than usual and then once the engine has started, all is well.

This occurs regardless of its the first start of the day or 5th with a warm engine.

I haven't had a chance to get out and clean the terminals and check cables like has previously been suggested but will get time tomorrow and report back

In that case, how long since the fuel filter was replaced?

If you pump the primer on the top of the fuel filter until it's hard, does it start easier?

 

[White80series]

In that case, how long since the fuel filter was replaced?

If you pump the primer on the top of the fuel filter until it's hard, does it start easier?

Fuel filter was done 4,000km ago.

Pumping the primer did not make it easier to start

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Fuel filter was done 4,000km ago.

Pumping the primer did not make it easier to start

Did the primer get firm after you pumped it several times?

Does attaching a jump pack still make it start quickly? If it does, I'm assuming less voltage drop or higher available voltage is making the difference.

Does it make any difference if the engine is cold or warm or time between starts?

Try cleaning the cables/grounds, definitely won't hurt.

Do you have any diesel/mechanical fuel pump knowledge? If you do, find the fuel cut solenoid, clean all the connectors and see if this makes any difference.

If no difference, try running 12v directly from the battery to the fuel cut solenoid - from memory they have 2 wires, make sure you get the right one.
The engine won't stop when you turn the key off, you'll need to disconnect the wire to the solenoid to stop the engine.

If this helps, something is suspect in the circuit to the solenoid.

 

[White80series]

UPDATE

The primer would get firm after a few pumps but it wouldn't stay firm.

Engine hot or cold didn't seem to make a difference and the starting was very inconsistent.

Tested voltage at the starter motor, was 12.5v (or there abouts).

Had it booked in to see Diesel Specialist mechanic, went to start the car after being away for 4 days and the car wouldn't start. Tried the jump pack which was pretty low and it went dead. I charged the jump pack overnight, got it started the next morning and dropped it off at the mechanic.

Issue 1 - (Filter head/Primer cracks) Replaced fuel hoses with clear fuel hoses checked for any air contamination,found air being drawn in from the filter head.Installed the new filter head using a new filter.Replaced the fuel hoses using new clamps where needed.

Issue 2 - (Fuel Pump Timing) Checked fuel pump timing was set at 1.09.Adjusted fuel pump timing too 1.24 (spec 1.18 - 1.24)Refitted fuel pump timing bolt with new washer and tightened to 12nm.Cleaned and refitted fuel hard lines with rubber's and clamps.Removed clear fuel hoses and fitted new fuel hose's with new hose clamps.Removed timing cover and checked fuel pump nut tension 103nm refittedtiming cover.Engine starts straight away within 1-2 cranksChecked for fuel leaks all ok

It now starts instantly and feels like a different car. It seems likely the last person to touch the fuel pump adjusted the timing to the wrong spec or possibly the previous owner.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Hopefully if someone has this same issue in the future this may be of some assistance