slow to start. more help needed

[nordic venture Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close nordic venture]

my prado with the 1KZ-TE engine still needs to be cranked over for 5+ seconds in order for it to start.

i've replaced the glow plugs and checked the glow plug relay as per the manual. it's ok.
i've also noticed that power goes to the plugs for about 20-30 seconds long after the glow plug light goes out. but believe this is normal.

when the engine is hot after a run it starts only a little quicker.

i should add that it's done 116,000 miles.

any ideas?

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Once it starts does it run/idle as normal?

Is performance as normal when driving?

Have you checked the ECU for fault codes?

Mick

[nordic venture Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close nordic venture]

Once it starts does it run/idle as normal?

Is performance as normal when driving?

Have you checked the ECU for fault codes?

Mick

yes

yes

no.

[Guest Close Guest]

You live in Scotland renowed for being cold. My natural assumption is the climate. Are you running the right oil for a colder climate?

Your fuel may be affected by the temperature and not be at the optimum temperature which may be also affecting the flash point.

We don't usually suffer these sort of problems here in Australia unless you live in the Alps or snow fields.

It could also be the fuel pump.

[clifton Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close clifton]

Hi nordic venture,
Also check your fuel heater fuse and relay as your glowplugs seem OK. If OK your fuel injectors will definately require removing cleaning and pop testing.
Hope this Helps

[nordic venture Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close nordic venture]

Hi nordic venture,
Also check your fuel heater fuse and relay as your glowplugs seem OK. If OK your fuel injectors will definately require removing cleaning and pop testing.
Hope this Helps

fuel heater fuse and relay? i'm unsure as to the location of these. could you be more specific?

thanks.

[KZJ90 Member Find all posts View Profile Close KZJ90]

Mystical failure.

I´m sure it´s not anything like cold weather or fuel heater. It should start immediately if glow plugs work properly. And yes, this is like it should be:

i've also noticed that power goes to the plugs for about 20-30 seconds long after the glow plug light goes out.

Maybe it gets air from somewhere...? Rusty fuel line?

How about if you turn it off and start again immediately? Ok?

[nordic venture Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close nordic venture]

mystical failure? is that me or the car :lol:

i know it's not cold weather. despite what people think, scotland isn't covered in a permafrost. ok i know its not 30C (ever).

when fuel heater was mentioned i thought i was perhaps missing something. maybe clifton meant golwplug fuse and relay. i took out the aftermarket golwplugs and replaced then with the old (removed) plugs and it starts a little quicker. maybe it needs toyota glow plugs.

i also noticed a fair ammount of carbon fouling on both sets of glow plugs. could this be over fuelling? harder to ignite a fuel/air mixture if it's too rich??

i'll keep at it 'till i find the answer or get bored looking.

cheers!

[Guest Close Guest]

Here's a tip.......take it to a mechanic or diesel specialist and forget the speculation, theories and guess work.

[clifton Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close clifton]

G,Day wizard, I DON'T DO GUESS WORK :!:

[Guest Close Guest]

G,Day wizard, I DON'T DO GUESS WORK :!:

What the?????

[clifton Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close clifton]

Hi Nordic Venture,
Fuel heaters are fitted to European diesels subject to cold weather starting, they are another starting aid and are normally located at the spin-on secondary fuel filter, I have come across these devices on Diesel 4WD and Cars in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. They are fused with a heavy duty fuse a bit smaller than your glow plug fuse.
Sorry for the confusion.
As you are getting heavy carbon buildup on the glowplugs you removed suggests a number of problems which should be sorted out methodically by a qualified diesel mechanic as Wizard has suggested.

I can suggest what is wrong but will leave that to the Mech as it would be a long list.

Hope this helps a little

[nordic venture Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close nordic venture]

solved.

small vacuum leak from the metal pipe on top of the fuel tank. i solved it by slowly working back from the front of the vehicle with a clear hose into a jerrycan of derv sitting on the floor. it would start and hold prime all the way back to the fuel tank. i removed the tank and the pipes, put it in a bucket of water, sealed one end and sucked. i got a mouthful of water.

one new part, everything back together and it starts easy!!!!!!!!

no large garage bill