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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: jakeandmia on January 07, 2010, 05:24:54 pm

Title: van starting problem
Post by: jakeandmia on January 07, 2010, 05:24:54 pm
Over the last few weeks my van has been hard to start,once started though its fine,just the initial thing in these cold mornings,Could it be the starter plugs,im thinking this cos i dont mind buying these and if its not its not a big expense,however dont want to take it to a garage and pay labour costs.

Wayne
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: wezzy32 on January 07, 2010, 05:27:29 pm
iv got an old r escort van and in the morn i heat it up 3 times b4 starting and away it goes no bother.wen its cold do u heat it up a few times or just the once?
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: ronaldo on January 07, 2010, 05:29:05 pm
Sounds almost certainly that its the glow plugs, can be very expensive to replace especially if a mercedes van.
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: jakeandmia on January 07, 2010, 05:33:16 pm
Its a peugeot expert,must admit i onlh heat the once
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on January 07, 2010, 06:56:42 pm
can of easy start a gud spray in the air filter jus start it no bova
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: wezzy32 on January 07, 2010, 07:07:12 pm
i had a company car last yr b4 i was made redund and it was a nissan qash and i would giv that 2 heats in a cold morn so it started better.just try 3 heats in the morn and see how that goes m8
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: Window Washers on January 07, 2010, 07:08:00 pm
can of easy start a gud spray in the air filter jus start it no bova
Easy start killed my engine that had done 24k I would avoid using this on a french engine like the plague if it is hdi, it cost me new engine and 6 weeks off work
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: TonyD on January 07, 2010, 09:44:29 pm
Yep, I run my glow plugs 2 or 3 times before starting at the minute, it's been ok.
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: cockney rebel on January 08, 2010, 04:59:17 am
Over the last few weeks my van has been hard to start,once started though its fine,just the initial thing in these cold mornings,Could it be the starter plugs,im thinking this cos i dont mind buying these and if its not its not a big expense,however dont want to take it to a garage and pay labour costs.

Wayne
Same happened to me. Needed to replace them, starts perfickly every time now. Plugs cost me £20 each plus labour was £100 in total. Could be cheaper depending on the plugs. Should take a garage no longer then 1/2 hour to do but will probley charge you an hour. Phone around & get qoutes.
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: sgibsoncleaning on January 08, 2010, 07:49:15 am
easy start is like herion for cars, once you may get away with but you turn it into an addict.
i replace glow plug every 2 years.
pug partner last year plugs heat once,
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: geefree on January 08, 2010, 11:45:11 am
Had same problem on an expert van once, replaced glow plugs and was fine...

get a mechanic mate to do it  ;)
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: Spruce on January 08, 2010, 12:36:45 pm
Hi
They are as easy to replace as spark plugs in a petrol engine.
Why not get a set from your local motor factors and fit them yourself. Just make sure that there is no muck around each unit before you unscrew them.
Spruce
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: dai on January 08, 2010, 05:24:28 pm
Well I have and old Escort too. the best advice I had was to wait for the click.
I said 'what click" The guy said "wait for a few seconds after the light goes out and you will hear a faint click, when you hear this, then turn the key to start"
Best advice I ever had, and oh. don't forget to push in the clutch so the starter doesn't have to turn the gearbox over too.
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: Davie T on January 08, 2010, 06:56:14 pm
At the very front of the engine there is a little rubber primer that primes the  fuel.  It is a little bigger than a thimble - just pump it 2 / 3 times and you can hear the fuel being drawn from the tank to the engine. Helped with an Expert the was a  b*gg*r to start
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: Central Window Cleaners on January 09, 2010, 07:52:35 pm
Hiya Wayne, had same problem with my Berlingo, got a quote for £45 from Timson's Autos a Pug specialist on Arbury road to replace glow plugs including the labour.
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: jakeandmia on January 10, 2010, 11:51:04 am
Tony

Had the AA out and apparently it was a lazy starter motor due to the severe cold,he said keep an eye on it cos it could be on its way out,plugs battery and alternator were fine.

Wayne
Title: Re: van starting problem
Post by: cockney rebel on January 10, 2010, 02:50:52 pm
I forgot to mention it might be that too. ;D ;D