FIAT Palio Weekend (1996 - 2003) - 2003 1.9 Diesel - Starting Problem

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Mon 17 Dec 2007 11:47
2003 1.9 Diesel - Starting Problem - Rajeev
I have a starting problem in my Fiat Palio 2003 Diesel 1.9D.
After a gap of 3~4 hours or more (or cold start) the following is observed
1. Initially it starts but immediately the engine goes off within 2~4 seconds
2. Thereafter I have to run the starter for about 3~4 times for 30 secs each (with a gap of course) before it starts. No acceleration is required. Then only the engine starts functioning fine.

Its not a heater problem

The diesel filter has been cleaned and checked. After each check up the engine starts ok for next 2 days and then again this starting problem persists.

Any advice on what are the possible reasons. Which area can there be an air leak into the Diesel line.

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 17/12/2007 at 12:45

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Mon 17 Dec 2007 13:34
2003 1.9 Diesel - Starting Problem - piston power
Does the fuel fiter have a manual pump on it? if you pump it first before you start does this make starting better?,
The seals can fail and pass fuel back to the tank.
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Mon 17 Dec 2007 16:59
2003 1.9 Diesel - Starting Problem - Rajeev
No there is no manual pump for Palio. Which seals are you referring to - fuel filter? Should I have them replaced?

{Some text talk substituted for proper words}

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 17/12/2007 at 18:58

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Wed 19 Dec 2007 03:58
2003 1.9 Diesel - Starting Problem - Rajeev
Hey guys please advice me
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Wed 19 Dec 2007 08:46
2003 1.9 Diesel - Starting Problem - oilrag
Give more detail, when did the problem start? Had *any work just been done* and does your car have the `spin on` fuel filter?

Is it the indirect injection engine without the turbo?

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Wed 19 Dec 2007 11:54
2003 1.9 Diesel - Starting Problem - Peter.N.
It sounds as though you are getting air in the system when it is parked. It starts on the fuel in the pump/pieline and then sucks air - which stops it. Check all the connections on the line and also that the fuel filter is properly seated. Have you changed it recently? if so that may be where the leak is.

Peter.N.
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Thu 20 Dec 2007 10:41
2003 1.9 Diesel - Starting Problem - Rajeev
I had purchased this car second hand about a month and half back. The problem persisted from day 1.

I had got the head opened for a gear change. However the problem existed before and after.

Only if I open, clean and top up the fuel filter the problem disappears for a few days. Then it starts again.

Now a days the problem appears in 5 out of 10 start ups. (its winter here)

I need to get the hot plugs also replaced. But need to solve this problem first and then change. Else new plugs will also burn out.
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Thu 20 Dec 2007 10:50
2003 1.9 Diesel - Starting Problem - Rajeev
Peter - checking the air leakage. on the fuel filter inlet? or tank side also?

Is it possible that a new filter and new orings will solve the problem. Or would it be a computer related problem.
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