Thread: Real cold start up = NO GO!!

My 300tdi is similar. Cold mornings/first start for the day it turns over a bit slow but still starts within 2seconds. Some mornings the coolant temp is around 3 deg, t-case temp sender around 1 degree. I think by memory my starter battery is around 800 cca. Sometimes I double glow, still seems sluggish.

I have just ordered a new set of glow plugs, was hoping that might help, but after reading replies on here doesn't sound like they do much anyway... They are well overdue to be changed either way, over 75,000kms ago. After reading some horror stories on here as well about the tips falling off into the cylinders I am worried about them as well.

Maybe it is the earthing or the starter on the way out?

Regarding mixing petrol into diesel, I just found this link, bit of a read but basically its a no-no. Yes it will thin diesel out and aid in cold starts, but it takes away lubricating properties, will increase EGT's, and anything with a high octane rating will retard diesel fuel’s ability to ignite. I add Diesel Power additive to every fill, don't know if it does anything but haven't had water or other fuel dramas since I have had car.

Mixing Gasoline And Diesel

As Dullbird said earlier, he has mates that can start at -17 with no glow plugs.

Don't believe it is a battery issue per se.

I am going with the 'bad earth' dodgy connection side of things.

Originally Posted by zuno555

My 300tdi is similar. Cold mornings/first start for the day it turns over a bit slow but still starts within 2seconds. Some mornings the coolant temp is around 3 deg, t-case temp sender around 1 degree. I think by memory my starter battery is around 800 cca. Sometimes I double glow, still seems sluggish.

I have just ordered a new set of glow plugs, was hoping that might help, but after reading replies on here doesn't sound like they do much anyway... They are well overdue to be changed either way, over 75,000kms ago. After reading some horror stories on here as well about the tips falling off into the cylinders I am worried about them as well.

Maybe it is the earthing or the starter on the way out?

Regarding mixing petrol into diesel, I just found this link, bit of a read but
basically its a no-no. Yes it will thin diesel out and aid in cold starts, but it takes away lubricating properties, will increase EGT's, and anything with a high octane rating will retard diesel fuel’s ability to ignite. I add Diesel Power additive to every fill, don't know if it does anything but haven't had water or other fuel dramas since I have had car.

Mixing Gasoline And Diesel

Thanks on the read up zuno had a quick sqizz through it and ahhhhhh no lol. Look it might work but as you said in a nut shell it's just too bloody risky business even if it's only a 10% mix of petrol. Just fired the truck up now and it was on in a second so I dont understand. Will disconnect the earth strap (main one) and give it a good clean and see what happens.

Originally Posted by discomuzz

As Dullbird said earlier, he has mates that can start at -17 with no glow plugs.

Don't believe it is a battery issue per se.

I am going with the 'bad earth' dodgy connection side of things.

Same here mate call it wishful thinking as I just got the bloody thing running great lol. Give it a good going over tomoz if I can find sometime.

Originally Posted by **Discovery300Tdi**

... I hope so, didn't reply to your post as I don't even want to mension the word "headgasket"...........oh ****!!!!!!! Lol hahahaha.

CHICKEN!

Anyway, it's part of the 'fun' of owning a Land Rover.

Originally Posted by zuno555

...Regarding mixing petrol into diesel

No thanks!

I am having a hard enough time mixing the correct ratios of two stroke for my whipper snipper!

Bugger trying to maintain 10% ratio petrol/diesel!

Nup, if I can't get it to work I'll buy a posty bike!

Originally Posted by discomuzz

CHICKEN!

Anyway, it's part of the 'fun' of owning a Land Rover.

Originally Posted by discomuzz

No thanks!

I am having a hard enough time mixing the correct ratios of two stroke for my whipper snipper!

Bugger trying to maintain 10% ratio petrol/diesel!

Nup, if I can't get it to work I'll buy a posty bike!

Haha yeah postie bike hey at least all you have to do is change over the AA's! Lol

As for the head gasket......yeah bloody BIG chicken!!! Haha

As Dullbird said earlier, he has mates that can start at -17 with no glow plugs.



Don't believe it is a battery issue per se.



I am going with the 'bad earth' dodgy connection side of things.

Umm... I don't think Lou is a 'he'!!

My 300Tdi has done a lot of work in Victorian high country, even at down to about -15 and sitting covered in snow for weeks at a time, never glowed it and kicks over in less than 2-3 seconds every time, albeit with quite decreased cranking power. Cold really does highlight any issues, just becuase it says it has loads of CCA's, it won't give anywhere near its max in colder weather. My first move would be to try a different battery, then look at earths and starter issues, as suggested.