hi. my old truck motor requires about 10-15sec of cranking with the starter before it slowly wakes up and gets some puff. in my experiance, if a diesel is going to start, and your batttery is good, it catches pretty rapidly. SOMETIMES does catch quickly, but usually not... particularly on a cold start. nb - its an old ford d-series non glowplug engine.
obviously its not electrical. could it be fuel starvation (ie lame mechanical pump)? or terrible compression? the cold weather? Im worried about wearing out my starter motor. any suggestions folks?? thankyou.

nic mcgowan, May 2008

A D series ford does sometimes have a cold start behind the front grill for cold mornings..But all the old ford D series I have had sometimes need a bit of cranking on cold days

jason, June 2008

hi john
thanks very much for your answer. in responce to your ppoints:
1. cranking speed is very good.
2. compression. hmmm. to test? i have a compression meter. ive only used it on petrol engines. (you jam it into the sparkplug hole). could this be used on the injector hole?
3. i will do as you say and check out an injector. re the fuel. can you explain 'filter bowl'?? This motor has two in-line disposable filters and a mechanical pump. not sure about a filter bowl. And... whats a lift pump?? sorry to be a little inexperianced here. i will look into this glow plug mystery. youre right. there must be something. what would a flame pllug look like?
I really appreicate your responce and time. thanks mate.

nic mcgowan, May 2008

Diesel engines will start if the following criteria are met:
1) The cranking speed is fast enough
2) There is enough compression
3) The injectors are getting clean, air free fuel.
Your fault is probably (2) but its worth taking an injector out and looking at the spray pattern - but careful here!! Also see that there isn't any air in the filter bowl(s) or lift pump.
No glow plugs? Is there a flame plug in the manifold itstead, or nothing at all?

John, May 2008