Thread: Puma Glow Plugs

I haven't had it myself. I could be wrong, but it doesn't sound like a glow plug to me. Once the engine fires, cylinder compression and idle revs should have all cylinders firing properly.

An injector could have a problem, or something causing weak compression in that cylinder will cause white smoke cold. Does the smoke disappear quickly as it warms up?

reading the manual. the glow plugs have 2 modes. one is to glow and allow easier starting and thern there is the afterglow that goes for 30 seconds after start to make the car run and idle smoothly. the smoke literally only lasts 10 seconds maybe 15. it is unburnt fuel by the smell. as soon as it is just off cold it runs smoothly as usual with no smoke.

Originally Posted by quaddrive

Hi All,

My 2009 2.4 puma is back from service and I have been advised that the rough idle at start up and white smoke is due to a failed glow plug.
I know these are the symptoms that can be associated with bad glow plug/s. My question is have any others had this issue? 110,000km.

Cheers

G

I'm the same year and mileage - haven't had this problem (yet).

FWIW your symptoms mirror that which my mate with a 76 LC experienced when one of his glow plugs packed it in.

What sort of ambient temps are you experiencing, Quaddrive?

As a point for comparison, we've had 3-4C locally, and mine (2007 Puma, 250,000+ kms) will still start cleanly without any glow...just takes a few more cranks, but even firing and no smoke. I hardly ever use glow, since it starts so quickly, and you don't get that "rich fuel rattle" first up. But if it takes longer than about 2 seconds, I prefer to glow.

Hopefully nothing serious with yours...good luck.

Originally Posted by Brid

I haven't had it myself. I could be wrong, but it doesn't sound like a glow plug to me. Once the engine fires, cylinder compression and idle revs should have all cylinders firing properly.

An injector could have a problem, or something causing weak compression in that cylinder will cause white smoke cold. Does the smoke disappear quickly as it warms up?

Yep, you're wrong Brid, If an injector was faulty, the miss would be constant (even after warm up). Not to mention fault codes and malfunction indicator lamp.
Faulty glow plug symptoms (white smoke, rough running) would take a few minutes to clear.

I am just starting to have this problem now. 2008 SVX 180000Ks, Removed and cleaned EGR. Still doing it.
I will check the GPs next.


Might have done something during the high pressure clean under the bonnet a couple of weeks ago.

Interesting how things pan out.

I ordered in the glow plugs. By the time they arrived the issue had gone away. I had checked the relay, wiring harness etc for the glow plugs and all looked good. It just started to run perfectly again. I still have the glow plugs sitting in the spares cupboard in the shed. I think it must have been an electrical issue, bad earth or something. I must admit it does not inspire you with confidence in the thing though!

Cheers

Giles

Originally Posted by quaddrive

Interesting how things pan out.

I ordered in the glow plugs. By the time they arrived the issue had gone away. I had checked the relay, wiring harness etc for the glow plugs and all looked good. It just started to run perfectly again. I still have the glow plugs sitting in the spares cupboard in the shed. I think it must have been an electrical issue, bad earth or something. I must admit it does not inspire you with confidence in the thing though!

Cheers

Giles

Hi Giles , those intermittent problems are the worst ones to have , because you're thinking will It come back ? lets hope not and It was just a gremlin that's gone !!.. good luck . Jim