Why does my 2.0 CDTi Auto struggle to turn over??

[Chris K]

2.0 Tdi Automatic

In the morning my engine really struggles to turn over more than about twice (since I've had it) - luckily it always bursts into life after couple turns but it bothers me its not going to start one day

In many ways it's a great starter but I'm wondering why it turns over so slowly

Sounds like battery but when I put it on trickle charger the meter shows right down around 2 amps which indicates it's full - usually chargers throw right over to around 4-5 amps and gradually (trickle) their way down to around 2 amps

all I can think of is earth strap between engine and car body may be loose or corroded - anyone know when i might be able to find this and clean it up a bit

I know autos are harder to turn over than manuals - I start mine whilst its in Park - any ideas

[oldcarguy]

What size is your battery, it will need to be something fairly meaty to start a diesel.

[mamasboy]

Perhaps your starter motor is failing, there is a repair kit available on ebayhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROVER-75-2...item4d004d44a9

[MrDoodles]

Just because the battery isn't taking a charge, doesn't mean that it's not knackered!

I would ask 2 questions;

How old is the battery and have you had it 'drop' tested?

[bluey9]

Glow plugs?

Cheers
Bluey

[mark d3]

if its turning over slowly and you have ruled your battery out i would be looking closely at the starter motor

[Unclefista]

Glow plugs aren't needed to start in this weather, the starter would either work or not and a small battery would have no problems starting the engine as long as it was in good health.

First thing I'd do is try a known good battery.

[mark d3]

Originally Posted by Unclefista

Glow plugs aren't needed to start in this weather, the starter would either work or not and a small battery would have no problems starting the engine as long as it was in good health.

First thing I'd do is try a known good battery.

never owned a hdi engine then? starters very prone to causing bad starting due to not spinning fast enough because there starting to fail, like the hdi the m47 is a modern diesel engine and needs a starter to spin at the right speed

[Unclefista]

Originally Posted by mark d3

never owned a hdi engine then? starters very prone to causing bad starting due to not spinning fast enough because there starting to fail, like the hdi the m47 is a modern diesel engine and needs a starter to spin at the right speed

I've owned 2x Xantia HDis, a Pug 306 HDi and I look after another Xantia HDi for a family member.

I'd be amazed if the Denso starter had any problem like that (anything's possible though), they're well known for being bulletproof, apart from the copper parts wearing.
I've personally reconditioned at least 6, none required anything more than new copper contacts and piston.


My money's still on a duff battery It's also probably the cheapest and easiest test (which is always my first port of call )

[Dragrad]

Thread moved to appropriate forum. Re-direct left in old.