Hi all

My friend has a Peugot van that has now gone through 3 starter motors in 2 months - I think it is because the van takes a while to start, a very long time, and when it fires up it smokes like hell out the back.

My question is what could cause the van to take ages to start? It has new glow plugs so i have ruled that out, it also drives fine when it has started, either by the starter motor or jump start.

I have read about the fuel solenoid amongst other things, but would this be a possible cause if the van drives ok once started?

A "mechanic" so say from the local area has fitted the three starter motors and now reckons it could be a compression issue - Does anyone have any thoughts on this? He also reckons a new engine is in order, which i think is a bit drastic.

Many thanks and sorry for the long post.

Nafe