Series III diesel - starting

[thanuk]

Can anyone tell me the correct way to start the engine from cold? There's no glow plug light - should I be waiting a set amount of time with the ignition on before cranking the starter? Should I put my foot on the accelerator whilst churning the starter?
Thanks for any info.

[Bodo]

There should be an amber 'glow' light on the bottom of the speedometer.

If it is not gleaming, when you hold the starter key just before the 'start' position, the glowplug circuit is open at some point, or the lamp is kaput.

Possible weak links in the (in-line at original installs) circuit are the glowplugs themselves, and the resistor mounted on the bulkhead.


During summer (20°C-ish), I usually hold the key for 2...4 sec in position, in winter (-10°C-ish), I let them glow for 30 seconds, especially for the first start in the morning.

[JSG]

As Bodo says, you should have an orange lamp on the dashboard (prob within the speedo at the bottom). It should only glow faintly, too bright and the glow plugs are short circuit, not on at all and the glow plug circuit is open (poss knackered glow plug) or the bulb has gone.

Mine has a starter button rather than a third position on the key. I just hold the key against the spring for 10 seconds in the morning and check for a faint glow.

If your's starts with the key, then you should still have a position before engaging the starter where the glow plugs operate.

[thanuk]

Thanks for the info.

I don't think I'm getting the orange light so it probably means I've got a faulty circuit somewhere. The only lights I get are red (ignition) and a faint green one (oil pressure).