2002 V70 D5va pig to start

[simon1argyle]

Need some help. My v70 D5 with 178k miles is becoming a real bugger to start. It's only ever the first start of the day, it can take up to 5 minutes.

Now I always let the glow plug light go out and usually, switch the ignition on and off 3 or 4 times before even cranking it over.

When it finally starts up it runs as smooth as normal. Would this be a fuel feed or glow plug issue?

[Brendan W]

Main problem cold starting these is rail pressure. Glow plugs not needed if the ambient is above 7-8 C.
a) battery not enough oomph to spin the starter. Jump with a known good one etc.
b) starter earth strap corroded especially at the lower end under the starter. Bypassing with a good jump lead can sometimes show this up.
c) lazy starter motor
d) One or more injectors leaking too much. A leak back test into some bottles shows this up fairly quick. No more than 40cc per minute at idle. A bad one is obvious. This is the most common cold start issue with cars of that vintage and the one to try first.
For completeness but less likely.
e) HP pump
f) rail pressure regulator.

[simon1argyle]

Thanks for the reply. I'm hoping to get it booked in at a local (relatively) specialist for a service soon, including fuel filter and will ask them to take a look then.

It seems slightly better if it's left on a slight down slope overnight but maybe a coincidence

[Longhouse21]

Downhill slope might indicate an in-tank pump issue?

[Brendan W]

Originally Posted by Longhouse21

Downhill slope might indicate an in-tank pump issue?

Definitely, especially if the fuel guage is reading 1/3 or less. It may not be the pump but the transfer plumbing across the saddle of the tank. This condition leads to a pump that cannot access the fuel in the other side.

[simon1argyle]

Is the leak back test a big job to do?

[Brendan W]

Originally Posted by simon1argyle

Is the leak back test a big job to do?

No. CheshireD5, Simon has posted a vid on how to along with many others. Have a look down the bottom of the playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...wnQJeUwztva09m

[simon1argyle]

Quick update on this one. I've not been able to do a leak back test yet, but today I couldn't get it started and ended up taking the Mrs car to work.

I filled the tank on Tuesday for the first time (I normally have between quarter and half a tank) and it was much better yesterday morning but then a bit worse in the evening. I assume now with a full tank I can rule out the fuel sender?

[Brendan W]

Most likely yes. The typical tank plumbing issue happens at low tank levels when the pump can't get at the fuel on the other side.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by simon1argyle

Quick update on this one. I've not been able to do a leak back test yet, but today I couldn't get it started and ended up taking the Mrs car to work.

From personal experience, you want to start pinning this down soon otherwise an expensive D5 battery will be added to the shopping list..... and be careful you don't burn out the starter motor too. Turning that engine over requires a hefty current which can create a lot of heat.
The D5 should start within 2 seconds so the starter won't thank you for 20 second cranks.