Vauxhall Vectra Diesel cold starting

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Sat 4 Jan 2003 20:46
Vauxhall Vectra Diesel cold starting - David L
Hi All,

About a year ago, I posted two threads on this board (back when it was the old style) asking for advice on my Diesel Vectra's reluctance to start when it got to this time of the year.

Many people replied and amongst the various suggestions came the idea of having the valve clearances sorted. At the time, I'd tried two sets of glowplugs (due to doubt being cast on the halfords set, and my reluctance to pay £40/plug from Vx), and still to no avail. Due to my great financial outlay (:)) I was reluctant to throw more money at the car getting these valve clearances sorted, and then the temperature was warming up anyway (hiding the problem, so to speak), so I left it for a year.

Well, cold weather has been with us again, so last week I finally bit the bullet (an £80 from main dealer bullet), and got the valve clearances checked/adjusted. All the inlet valves were tight (I assume that holds the valves slightly open). Since then, it has started first time every time, touch wood, even on the coldest of days. (with the champion glowplugs, btw)

Been lurking on this board ever since, but with my mystery finally solved, I thought it was only fair to register and share the knowledge! So, sorry for the long post, but I'd like to thank all those who suggested things (especially those who mentioned valve clearances!), and it *is* nice to have a conclusion to these matters, albeit a year later(!)

-David L.
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Sat 4 Jan 2003 20:56
Vauxhall Vectra Diesel cold starting - David L
>All the inlet valves were tight (I assume that holds the valves slightly open)
Should have of course read "All the inlet valve clearances were tight"
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Sat 4 Jan 2003 22:36
Vauxhall Vectra Diesel cold starting - Crinkly Dave
The same problem as recently reported on the Isuzu 1.7 diesel, and the same problem that I was cautioned about on my 1.9 diesel Pug at 100K by the local diesel specialist

The days of 6K checks of valve clearances disappeared with the A series engine. OK, but perhaps sensible check of valve clearances went out with the bath water.
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