Posted by Matt Booth on February 22, 2010, 10:03 pm
Year of Manufacture *: 2004 Engine Code or CC *: F9DA/B 1800 ( Optional ) Scanner Used: Modis, KTS
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.
Hi Matt if you believe you are getting air in just fit a one way valve to the supply line before the filter head. These are available from any diesel specialist and we usually carry a selection of the three most commonest sizes. HTH. John Kennard
Matt, is this the one with the 'dozer' valve in the intake that sticks shut if left too long? If you are lucky you may hear it click open just before the car starts, HTH, Peter
Re: Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi
Posted by Matt Booth on February 23, 2010, 10:59 pm, in reply to "Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi" Matthew Booth
Hi Peter, No I know what you mean but this doesn't have that. The anti-shudder valve as VW call it.
Good thinking John, although all the pipes are either a hard rubber or plastic. I'll have a better look though and see if I can find a suitable place.
Other thoughts I've had are possibly a duff battery or tired starter. Both relating to high current draw and slow cranking, although the engine sounds normal as far as crank speed goes. I've seen before on the late VWs where the crank speed is slightly too slow for commencement of injection. Thats my thoughts for tomorrow anyway.
Thanks for the ideas, keep them coming! =)
Matt
Re: Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi
Posted by Matt Elliott on February 23, 2010, 11:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi" Mattew Elliott
Hi, Matt I think you're heading in the right direction there with crank speed. I'm calling starter motor had two do it so far
Cranking speed is often over looked as a cause of starting issues on Common Rail motors. The starter motor should be considered, but I would not jump straight in & condemn it straight off, without doing some basic volt drop checks on the feeds & grounds & of course the battery needs to be proven too.
You might find this useful for reference values....
Posted by Matt Booth on February 26, 2010, 10:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi" Matthew Booth
Thanks Dave, I also found that which I took into account when checking the vehicle.
The starter does indeed pull too much current. The battery tests OK as does the wiring. The vehicle has also had a new clutch and flywheel so I suspect the dust and rubbish from the flywheel has set the starter for a slow death.
Unfortunately the customer also owns a fiesta diesel which it turns out starts even worse than their focus! Whilst we have advised them the starter seems to be the cause they are happy to live with it as when the weather warms up the issue will probably stop.
It will be back at some point, fords always are!!!
on February 23, 2010, 12:57 pm, in reply to "