Alhambra TDI start problem-help.

[Neil420]

1 st time caller so I hope this is the right forum.

1997 Seat Alhambra tdi [90bhp]

Had a new starter motor fitted by a shady garage, yes I know should have gone to the dealers, but:

Cold start it takes 10 secs to fire up, warm 5 seconds?

Even if turned off for a matter of seconds it still takes 5 seconds of turnover to start up, this fault has only recently developed.

So far I have spent £200 and had:
new fuel filter and valve
timing belt checked
injectors and pump cleaned
new glo plugs.

No change, literally!

Do these vehicles have a priming pump as I cant hear one?

There is a fuse for a fuel pump but it's a dead socket????

A Seat mechanic reckons this model doesn't have a fuel pump?

Can anybody help me please?

 

[m0rk]

Hi

It should have a fuel pump!

There will be a bleed valve 'somewhere' near the engine, I bet you've just got an air bubble in the line. FInd this and have the ignition on so all the dash lights come on & open it (not for long!) and it'll purge all the air out.

 

[redcupratdi]

you had all the things changed that i would suggest!

there is a really good tdi forum, post on there and you'll get a reply in minutes and some deep knowelege of tdi on there as well.

www.tdiclub.com

or there is a few on here may be some help of course

have you got the dealer to scan for faults?

 

[Stu B]

Last two guys have the right thoughts....

 

[Neil420]

Glo plugs working ok.

It's as though fuel is draining from the filter somehow, I can't see or hear any leaks, it's strange because even if I turn the engine off for a few seconds it still takes the 5 seconds to start.

Before the new starter motor was fitted I seem to recall a 'whirring' sound that lasted about 3-4 seconds when the ignition went on.

Does your's do this?

Like some sort of priming sequence within the system?

I am perplexed as are the Seat people who would gladly just replace everything at £55 an hour till they sort it!

 

[sssstew]

yes, you should be able to hear it priming which is this whirring or buzzing sound you mention.

 

[Neil420]

Can't be air in the system, I had to do a 120 mile trip last night and it went fine. It must be electrical?

I don't get that whirring when the ignition goes on now, I am wondering if dodgy garage have shorted something out when they fitted the starter motor as it was fine till then?

 

[sssstew]

yes maybe its not priming then, that system will need checking.

 

[Neil420]

Latest theory:

Cos all the problems started when I had the new starter motor fitted, can anybody tell me where the flywheel sensor is on a 19tdi Bammer?

 

[fredt]

Crank shaft position sensor, mounted on the front left hand side of the block next to the bell houseing, held in place by two bolts, should have a a resistance reading (OHMS) 1000-1500 if the reading is outside of this range then it's possibly duff and your mechanics right about the fuel pump, it's a mechanical pump mounted on the engine
just an idea petrol versions are prone to a dodgy relay that can cause starting problem! relay 20? 30? maybe worth a look? also check the stop solenoid operation? it can cause bad starting if this plays up?