After standing for about 10 hours engine will not start, turns over and smoke comes out of exhaust but will not fire up. Use hand primer then will fire once running is fine. Engine is a diesel in Talbot expess camper van K reg.

Mike Laishley, January 2005

Hi can you tell me why my talbot express 1990 2.5cc td camper van smokes on start up in the winter but better in the sumer thanks regards sterling

sterling, March 2015

I have had the same problem happen over the last two years. Each time all it was in my case were the spill return pipes between the injectos needing replacing including the end blanking off rubber on the end injector. This is a very easy job, just go to local dealer by the lenth of pipe cut to lengt and e presto job done.

Steve., March 2008

I had the same problem non starting after being stood, if you pump the fuel through at the filter it will start,if you do this and open the bleed screw and get the fuel flowing then tighten up the nut it might cure the problem it has on mine.

George Watmough, March 2007

Make sure the the glow plug relay is working, do this by turning the ignition on after about a 30 seconds you should hear a 'ping' from the r/h front (the blue box under the bonnet) If it does then try replacing the glow plugs, these are under the box that sits on top of the engine, If it is fuel starvation then it could be the little filter thats in the fuel tank on the end of the sender unit, you have to remove tank to do this. Its very easy to do.

clive hughes, January 2006

Sounds like system is leaking down due to a leak letting air in the sytem and has to purge air and then it will start check all connectors and clamps ect ...couls also be a faulty check vavle in the fuel pump......it will get air in sytem even thou it doesn`t show fuel leak .......

bg, November 2005

a common problem is the fuel preheater which can go porus, allowing air in. bypass it, and all's well again.

David., February 2005

i agree with eamon,if it,s an old vehicle you could also check steel fuel pipes for rust ,air can be drawn in at these points and fuel can escape causing poor starting.

pete, February 2005

you have an air leak in the fuel system .from the tank to the pump cheak for tightness of all joints fit new filter

eamon, January 2005