Astra van again with more probs

[Robpoole]

Just got another astra van (sucker for punishment) this time a 1.7 TD Mk3, all was ok yesterday started ok etc, maybe a little slow to start. Tried this morning and it is turning over and smoke comes out the exhaust but it wont start ? Help again please I gotta have some luck some time surely.
Cheers Rob

 

[Burnerman]

Start by checking the glowplugs over, Rob - each one should have a resistance of between 1 to 2 ohms, and they should have 12v reaching them when the preheat light is on.
After that, its a fuel system check.
John

 

[xr4x4]

if its slow to crank, you need to give it a boost with some (decent) jump leads.

those diesel lumps need to spin over fast to start.

or push start it down a hill, or tow.

 

[Robpoole]

Thanks for the replys did the checks on the glow plugs, put new ones in and a new battery, no joy. Had a mechanic look for me and the fault was one of the main fuses had blown replaced that and hey presto Rob is a happy bunny again. Not having a great deal of luck with my vans at the moment but thanks to help and advice from you guys things are getting better. Thanks

 

[Robpoole]

I am keeping a brave face on this but help AGAIN please. My astra 1.7td is starting again now but will only fire up after 3 turns of the key (ie pre ignition sequence glow plug symbol goes out 3 times) any ideas or things to check please I dont wanna loose another one to that big mechanic in the sky. I have put new glow plugs in, a new battery and there is plenty of current being generated from the alternator (thats what my friend said anyway) the mechanic that i had look at it before checked a few things and said all was ok but wasnt aware of the 3 times malarky. Thank you

 

[xr4x4]

It is possible that new or even cheap new glow plugs can fail, even one failing can cause problems.

Does it only do this from cold?

 

[Nige F]

Thanks for the replys did the checks on the glow plugs, put new ones in and a new battery, no joy. Had a mechanic look for me and the fault was one of the main fuses had blown replaced that

I had one of those vans and I kinda remember an issue with the Glow Plug Relay - unfortunately I wasn`t doing my own repairs @ the time - now if it was a Morris minor/1100 or a Ford Anglia or Hillman Imp Hope this points you in the right direction ( of the glow plug relay ) - you haven`t wasted your money on the new battery and plugs , not with the winter coming