Mk1 Diesel Golf Not Starting

[saschw]

I'm having trouble figuring out why my mk1 diesel golf won't start.

Recently, it has been getting harder to start until I stopped driving it for a week and haven't been able to start it (by key) since.

All signs point to the glow plugs but I replaced them with new ones and checked that they heat up and it doesn't appear to be the problem.

The starter motor turnsover okay (I wouldn't say it is perfect though).

Just wondering if anyone can give me a hint about what to test next. I have spare parts (starter motor, injectors etc.) Perhaps I should install a different starter motor and see what happens?

The car runs fine after a pull-start, however it takes a bit to get going, even with a pull start. Is it possible the pump/injectors are the problem? Also, car starts easily by key after it has been running (and is hot).

Perhaps it isn't getting fuel when starting from cold?

Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Regards, Shane.

[Jarred]

One thing I experineced with my GLD (before I sold it) was the glow plug relay failing. For me, it would get stuck on, and draw power even when teh car was off.

Perhaps, yours isn't working, which explains why it's hard to start cold, but OK when starting warm.

I'm not saying that this is the cause, but something to think about maybe

(can't rememeber which number the relay is, shouldn't be too hard to figure out though )

[saschw]

Thanks Jarred - I'll try replacing the relay next - really, it seems as though its still the glow plugs!

[DaveGLD]

Shane, maybe try checking the battery - try jump starting the car and see if it is any easier to start when it is hooked up to another car.
If the car starts fine when it is being jump started, maybe look at the battery and charging systems. I had similar symptoms with my GLD - the engine would turn over and just crank and crank and crank but not fire. Putting a new 600cca battery in and changing the voltage regulator to ensure that the battery was getting fully charged solved this.

[revnit]

I had a similar problem with mine when the battery dropped voltage it would crank and crank but not start. On another note i also found it hard to start and run properly when cold cause it was running to lean.

Easy fix is Start you bastard up the intake make sure your glow plugs are disconnected.