Thread: 300tdi doughy when cold

Our 300Tdi is also extremely doughy when cold, but I suspect that is due to the timing belt being installed incorrectly by the PO (suspect it is 1 tooth out) - it is also fairly doughy when warmed up...

Excessive use of the glow plugs before starting (on and off 3-4 times) makes it start better and reduces the doughyness.

most diesels if not all are doughy when cold. The 300 tdi is "doughier" than most for longer. I have noticed with my previous work truck nissan 4.2 and current model ford ranger are in operation temp zone quicker than my 300 tdi defender. One problem on mine i noticed is the clutch fan is always engaged. I could sit in the drive from 10mins and the temp needle only just moves. The 300 in my truck has only done 61k from new, the timing belt's never been done. The 4.2 patrol was real sluggish when cold, on colder than usual mornings i would give 3 or 4 shots on the plugs and start it... then go have breakfast. By the time i go to work she's warm and the heater has warmed the cab nicely.

Don't forget you have 2 diffs and 2 gearboxes to warm up as well. All filled(well supposedly) with thick oil. Takes a while to warm it ALL up.

I find mine is a little slow off the mark if its really cold but can always keep up with traffic, when were your tappets last adjusted and is your acc. cable stretched at all - excess slack wont help.

Generally due to glowplugs and having precom chambers. Just about every IDI engine I have come across, and in my line that's quiet a few, cols starting is always an issue. It's just a fact of IDI diesels.
Sometimes a slightly higher voltage plug can help but it won't be enough to give it more go, just start a little easier and maybe idle a bit smoother and warm minimally quicker.
My TD5 however seems to have a lot of grunt when it's cold so much so it overboosts!!


Using Capitals, the difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse or helping your uncle jack off a horse...

Originally Posted by LOVEMYRANGIE

Generally due to glowplugs and having precom chambers. Just about every IDI engine I have come across, and in my line that's quiet a few, cols starting is always an issue. It's just a fact of IDI diesels.
Sometimes a slightly higher voltage plug can help but it won't be enough to give it more go, just start a little easier and maybe idle a bit smoother and warm minimally quicker.
My TD5 however seems to have a lot of grunt when it's cold so much so it overboosts!!


Using Capitals, the difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse or helping your uncle jack off a horse...

The 200Tdi and 300Tdi are DI, not IDI...

Originally Posted by isuzurover

The 200Tdi and 300Tdi are DI, not IDI...

Shows how long it's been since I looked at one... ;/


Using Capitals, the difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse or helping your uncle jack off a horse...

Originally Posted by johncat07

most diesels if not all are doughy when cold. The 300 tdi is "doughier" than most for longer. I have noticed with my previous work truck nissan 4.2 and current model ford ranger are in operation temp zone quicker than my 300 tdi defender. One problem on mine i noticed is the clutch fan is always engaged. I could sit in the drive from 10mins and the temp needle only just moves. The 300 in my truck has only done 61k from new, the timing belt's never been done. The 4.2 patrol was real sluggish when cold, on colder than usual mornings i would give 3 or 4 shots on the plugs and start it... then go have breakfast. By the time i go to work she's warm and the heater has warmed the cab nicely.

Good way to stuff your motor, letting it idle for so long will glaze the bores and contaminate the oil, get in it start it, all the dash lights out, drive off, Regards Frank.