Car is hard to start after just a few days especially as it gets cooler

[02beater_auto]

Doesn't take much for this to happen. Battery is newer. I don't see any draw from the battery when it is turned off either. My 5 spd doesn't act like this. 50 degrees in the morning and not driven 2 days is enough to make this manifest itself. I don't want to throw parts at it. New Bosch glow plugs and no difference.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[burpod]

injection pump leaky seals or another small leak around thermo-tee etc causing it to lose some prime and get some air in? that's common problem

 

[02beater_auto]

injection pump leaky seals or another small leak around thermo-tee etc causing it to lose some prime and get some air in? that's common problem

Thanks, it did exactly the same thing with the last IP too. This one was resealed. Thermo-tee maybe? I don't even know what that is...yet anyways.

 

[Brett San Diego]

"Resealed" means nothing unless you know what seals were replaced. So, what seals were replaced?

Brett

 

[02beater_auto]

"Resealed" means nothing unless you know what seals were replaced. So, what seals were replaced?

Brett

My guru did it. I have no idea. The fact that it behaves exactly the same before and after the IP swap again makes me pretty sure that 2 pumps are likely not going to manifest the exact same symptom.

 

[Brett San Diego]

I believe "Thermo-Tee" refers to the T-connector on the fuel filter. It has a pair of O-rings that seal it. Notorious for being a source of air leaks in the fuel system.

Brett

 

[Genesis]

Yep, and in addition they like to crack and in many cases can be verrrrry difficult to detect that. Finally, the bore on the filter can be out-of-spec (not-quite round) which of course leads to the same problem.....

 

[BobnOH]

My guru did it.

Any competent TDI mechanic would easily diagnose cold start, guru, not sure.
50 is hardly cold, so we don't think it's the glow plug system. The issue following the temperature is a clue.

 

[2nsane2005]

What’s the condition of your starter? I slapped in a brand new Valeo starter motor in my 2001 Golf yesterday and now it starts amazing! After my car sat for a few days it would get harder to start. The best money I’ve spent on this car. I know you don’t want to throw parts at your issue but maybe it’s something to consider.

 

[Gothmolly]

What’s the condition of your starter? I slapped in a brand new Valeo starter motor in my 2001 Golf yesterday and now it starts amazing! After my car sat for a few days it would get harder to start. The best money I’ve spent on this car. I know you don’t want to throw parts at your issue but maybe it’s something to consider.

This is probably the correct answer. I had my original starter replaced last year after years of ****ty starting in the cold, and was AMAZED how fast the engine turns now.

 

[2nsane2005]

This is probably the correct answer. I had my original starter replaced last year after years of ****ty starting in the cold, and was AMAZED how fast the engine turns now.

Ya same here buddy. Bring on winter!!

 

[Brett San Diego]

Is the engine cranking slowly? Just saying that it doesn't start can mean many things from you turn the key and nothing happens to you get full robust cranking of the engine but no firing.

Brett

 

[pkhoury]

I believe "Thermo-Tee" refers to the T-connector on the fuel filter. It has a pair of O-rings that seal it. Notorious for being a source of air leaks in the fuel system.

Brett

It's the T connector that you attach the "mickey mouse clip" to hold it into your fuel filter.

Also, I don't suppose you're one of the lucky ones with clear-ish fuel lines? I have all my ALHs using those, so I can actually see fuel flow going to the IP (which has helped me troubleshoot when I had similar issues).

 

[Gothmolly]

Clear lines = no offroad fuel.

 

[02beater_auto]

Any competent TDI mechanic would easily diagnose cold start, guru, not sure.
50 is hardly cold, so we don't think it's the glow plug system. The issue following the temperature is a clue.

Is the engine cranking slowly? Just saying that it doesn't start can mean many things from you turn the key and nothing happens to you get full robust cranking of the engine but no firing.

Brett

It does crank slowly. Reminds me of other vehicles I own prior to a starter being replaced after going completely bad. I too find myself amazed at the sound a good starter makes.

 

[pkhoury]

Clear lines = no offroad fuel.

I'm not running a tractor, so I'd never have reason to run off road fuel in my cars, anyways.