Not starting, Help!

[Muf90]

Hi Guys

I have a 2001 Zafira diesel which just wont start this morning, started and sounded like it was running on two cylinders for a couple of minutes now wont even do that just cranks over on the starter motor , white smoke coming out the exhaust and stinks of fuel. Worked perfectly yesterday, i thought the missus had filled it with petrol by mistake as she topped up yesterday morning but she has driven about five miles since then.

Any help much appreciated.

Mike

[Zoobeef]

Would definatly check the receipt of see if you can dip or smell the tank. That smoke is the unburnt fuel

[Muf90]

Sods law she has thrown away the receipt, i think i will have to drain the tank, anybody know if a Zafira has a drain plug or whats the best way? RAC want to try and do me for £250 to come out and do it. Luckily she only put £10 in!

[twink]

2001 diesel Zafira, would I be correct in thinking it's a DTi engine, not a newer CDTi? DTi engines have a problem with air getting into the fuel lines pushing it back to the tank via the injector leak off pipes. Eventually it'll start again on the key but the fuel pump will be running dry. Best bet is to get it tow started. 2nd gear, get up to 15mph or so and slowly let the clutch out when the tow rope is tight. there will be a horrible jerk and a lot of strain on the rope so make sure it's a good one. Pull the car in gear with the ignition on and it'll kick into life. If it dies again, go for another tow. Leave it running to get the air out of the lines properly or take it for a drive.

Park it facing downhill if you can too. If it starts fine the next morning, I'd say that's your problem. The diesel won't drain back to the tank with it facing downhill.