Starting Issues - Cranking but reluctant start

[whipper_snapper]

Hey team,

Looking for some insight on what has been a strange starting issue developing over the past two months. I have a 2008 Rav4 D-4D. 115000m. Essentially, when the key is turned the engine may sometimes take three or more cranking attempts before it erupts into life. Normal starting procedure here, wait for glowplug light, foot on clutch etc nae rush happening from my end. Driving is normal and grand, sometimes a wee flutter when idling but otherwise swell. When turned off, and restarted again WARM, the problem isn't there.

Now, i think I've ruled out the Battery. Its a new decent Varna that gives me good CCA readings, cables well attached. All fuses are in one piece.

 I've replaced the glowplugs AND the fuel filter in the past fornight (something to do eh) but the problem is still with me. The diesel I use is the decent stuff out the esso.

I'm still a little stumped. I thought I HAD IT when i saw how knackered the old plugs looked but nooo. 

I have a few more unfounded suspicions, but looking here for some much needed HELP AND WISDOM.

 

Please mull over and question away

 

Cheers

CO'F

[Nidge]

I have the same issue with my 2007 XT5 2.2 engine.

 I can either leave it cranking over and it will fire after 5-6 seconds, but with a cloud of unburnt diesel. Or, can operate the glow plugs without pressing the clutch pedal for 3 cycles, then it will start almost immediately. Runs perfectly otherwise, now at 170,000m and always fires immediately for the rest of the day.

Tried changing the glow plugs but one is seized in the head, so it may be that one which is the issue. Really felt that it would snap under any more pressure, so I left it in. Changing the other 3 made no difference, but have put a further 15k on since with no other issues.

Could take it to the local diesel specialist to sort, but have continued as a minor inconvenience for the time being. 
 

Has anyone any other suggestions? Thanks.

[whipper_snapper]

So aye, I had the same problem. The first things I tried were changing the glow plugs and fuel filter, both to no avail. And aye, never force and break a glow plug, you're proper f****d then. 

The next suspects were the fuel injectors. I'd been putting diesel from the Sainsburys in since I started a new job, and it was a wee while after this the problems started. So, I began putting premium diesel in from Esso, alongside fuel injector cleaner for a bit and LO AND BEHOLD, after a high-rev drive on the highland roads the problem promptly ceased. 

So, I would certainly suggest you try this before moving on to any more costly ideas.

Fuel injectors can also be cleaned professionally with ultra-violet machines, or replaced if they're too far gone. Mine were just a wee bit dirty and ineffective. 

All the Best

C'oF 

[Devon Aygo]

Cold start extended cranking is a known issue see:

 

[Jonny5wives]

I had trouble with cold starting on my Rav4 2.2 2006. I changed the glow plugs, fuel filter and then the Battery, but no real improvement. I checked the scv , it was clean in there and not sticking. Then i found a thread that said the starter motor could have got lazy, I replaced this and it did actually improved cold starting, but only because it spun the engine over quicker, it was just masking the problem. The starting then started to get worse, and I used to glow the plugs about 3 times, didn’t really do any good. Then it started to misfire, I noticed that one of the injector pipe seals had popped out where the pipe goes in the cam cover. It turns out that no 3 injector had come loose, so I replaced the injector sealing washers and it’s more responsive, doesn’t smoke anymore and it starts like brand new, even at 150 thou. Getting no3 injector out was no problem, the others were a different story, took about 3 days of sweating, swearing and sobbing, but got there in the end.

[Catlover]

34 minutes ago, Jonny5wives said:

I had trouble with cold starting on my Rav4 2.2 2006. I changed the glow plugs, fuel filter and then the battery, but no real improvement. I checked the scv , it was clean in there and not sticking. Then i found a thread that said the starter motor could have got lazy, I replaced this and it did actually improved cold starting, but only because it spun the engine over quicker, it was just masking the problem. The starting then started to get worse, and I used to glow the plugs about 3 times, didn’t really do any good. Then it started to misfire, I noticed that one of the injector pipe seals had popped out where the pipe goes in the cam cover. It turns out that no 3 injector had come loose, so I replaced the injector sealing washers and it’s more responsive, doesn’t smoke anymore and it starts like brand new, even at 150 thou. Getting no3 injector out was no problem, the others were a different story, took about 3 days of sweating, swearing and sobbing, but got there in the end.

Welcome to TOC Jonathan.

you certainly had a tough time, glad you got it sorted.