How to test Crankshaft sensor- 2l-Te

[Holdfast]

I have a very nice lj78 that runs great except for the first 10-15 seconds that you start it after sitting for more than 4 hours. For those 10-15 seconds it coughs and farts grey/black smoke, then levels out, runs and starts awesome all day long after that.

Anyways, working my way through things and would like to see how to test if the crankshaft sensor is functioning properly, is there a link or post that can walk me through that? my search came up blank. thx

 

[NicaNorth]

I would start with your air/fuel mixture; inspect for leaky injectors/fuel filter housing. When was the last time you changed your fuel filter?

I had a similar issue with one of my diesels with the 3L and it turned out to be the o-ring for the drain-plug on the bottom side of the fuel filter was faulty. It was not completely sealing the filter, therefore sucking a very minute amount of air into the system. It would have some hesitation at start-up, but once warm, run fine until it sat again for a few hours and cooled.

Start with the easy, top end stuff first and work your way down.

 

[Holdfast]

Joey,

Yep - replaced fuel filter and the float sensor unit below it. I have done most of the easy stuff, and some not so easy. Replace coolant and air temp sensors, replaced cold start capacitors on the ECU, new glow plugs (twice), rebuilt injectors. So the crankshaft sensor is next. Thx

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

If it was the crank sensor the engine would either not run, or run like crap all the time. It would not just be a starting thing.

Usually starting problems are related to injection timing issues, air in the fuel system or glow system issues. In extreme cases low compression.

If you are not getting a check engine light, your problem is likely air in fuel or glow related.

Try changing the hose clamps on the rubber fuel lines to start with. If you're still running the original hoses and clamps there is a chance of problems there. Also check that there is no diesel sweating out around your injectors or injection pump. I've had to re-torque my injectors a little higher than factory setting to keep them from leaking air. If your injection pump seals are hardening, then air can be getting in there too. I had to reseal my whole pump a couple years ago. Also check your primer pump, as often they wear out and air gets in there too.

Try pumping your primer for a couple minutes before your first cold start of the day. Does this help?

Try glowing twice and see if it helps. Glow once (give it about 8sec), shut key off and wiat 1 sec, glow again (another 8sec), then start. Does this help?

 

[Holdfast]

GTS,

I have been focused on the glow - Crushers and I tested all the plugs and timing for those, helped a little but its not the issue.

I will start working through the fuel line hoses and clamps and give the primer a few pumps this morning to see if that makes a difference.

Thx.