Hi all,

We've experienced this fault a few times but the customer usually isn't interested in fixing it.

They always exhibit the same symptoms, poor starting when the vehicle has been left for a long period (i.e overnight). You have to crank the engine for 5-10 seconds before it will fire up. Whilst it's cranking the engine will buck as if it's firing on a few but not all cylinders. When it eventually fires up it will run perfect, no white smoke or lumpiness.

- No fault codes are stored.
- Fuel pressure is good and the same as when it starts perfect when warm. Also compared to known good vehicle.
- Glow plugs are new and working fine (tested through removal and measured current draw). Also measured glow period which is fine, cycling ignition to prolong glow period has no effect.
- Injectors have been overhauled and coded into the ECU.
- Fuel filter is new.
- EGR is clean, sealing well and operating well.
- Fuel temp is plausible, as is coolant and air.

I'm of the belief air is getting in to the system, but where to start! One of the Focuss (Focii??) that has this fault belongs to one of our mechanics who has had the car for some time. The fault has not always existed and it seems to be getting worse. Another thing, the fault doesn't seem to be related to temp, more like duration in my opinion. I can start the car in the morning (with the fault) and leave it for a good few hours with the ambient temp rising. Upon restarting the fault will occur but only ever the once until left for a long period again.

Hope that gives you a good background on the situation.

Any ideas????

Sorry for the essay!!!

Matt