HELP!!! I own my townace (1988) 4 months after replacing the gearbox and extending the propshaft 2 days after i got it, my townie has been excellant doing some 15,000kms untill a few weeks ago , then starting problems it will turn the engine throw smoke out of the exhaust and depending how cold the night is eventually start or fltten the battery , ten days ago rac man said 2 glow plugs were faulty ,i have replaced all 4 with toyota genuine but no differance , this is only the very first start everyday, after that it starts first turn of the key unless it is left say 8/9 hours. it is anew battery when i bought it . perhaps one of you knows it ibought the townie in southsea it seems to have had a neglected past including another engine and smoke as obviosly been in the cab as the inside is blackish
- (#11738) ANDY, 16 Nov 03 16:20
Had exactly the same problem except the starting on mine got gradually worse over a couple of weeks before it finally failed completely after a heavy frost. The AA man got it going straight away with a couple of squirts of cold start (ether) into the air intake and he reckoned it was the glow plugs wearing out.
I am currently switching the ignition 5 or 6 times before turning over the engine, to make sure the glowplugs have warmed up, and I have had no problems starting since. Was planning to get the glowplugs checked out but your experience has now deterred me from this somewhat ;-)
I also topped up the oil after the AA callout as I have a little leak and the level had dropped alarmingly low - this may be related to the starting problem??
- (#11739) Kev, 16 Nov 03 23:31
hi fellas
i had the same problems as you and i changed my glow plugs, fuel filter etc, but i also, (having had experience with poor starting diesels before) have fitted a push button switch which holds in the glow plug relay in even with out the key in the ignition just to preheat the glow plugs and it.s cured all my problems. if you want info and photos on how to do it send me an email and i'll send it to you
regards
brian
- (#11740) brian squire, 17 Nov 03 0:50
NEVER EVER use ether on a diesel with glowplugs! Very dangerous!
A slight leak in the fuel system, allowing fuel so syphon back into the tank overnight, is the most likely cause of these issues assuming the glowplugs are actually working correctly.
However, retarded injection timing is another cause worth checking...
Now, if the glowplug light is going out too quickly, the temp. sensor on the block behind the injection pump is worth a check.
- (#11741) david miller, 17 Nov 03 2:36
Worrying isn't it, that the AA man in Kev's story used Easy Start on a Diesel with Glow plugs, even says on the tin DON'T. I won't even let these people touch a vehicle, if I can't fix it at the roadside, neither can they, so just get them to drag the vehicle in. Luckily haven't needed them for some time, touch wood.
Regards Rob.
- (#11847) Rob Drinkwater, 17 Nov 03 15:45
Hi guys, I have been seaching u're site for an answer for a similar problem. Hard starting, then white smoke till it warms up. A new mechanic I spoke to, checked the valve clearance and diagnosed that some of them were tight (I think the exhaust ones). He said it is a common problem with the 2C and 2CT. I let him "cut" the shims and replaced them - problem was gone. Question for u guys, I drive a 89 Lite Ace (now fitted with a 2CT, how can I reduce the time it takes to glow? (It takes about 30 secs). I notice that some Town Ace and Hiace glow almost instantly.
- (#11848) Rohan Mallett, 17 Nov 03 17:52
Yup, valve clearances are a possibility- I had that problem after a head change. Interesting that the gaps open up as the engine warms...
Glow time? There are two systems fitted, depending on model. The simple one has 12v plugs and no afterglow, the "Superglow" system has (IIRC) 7v plugs, but they get 12v for the first few seconds. Hassle to convert tho- controller, relays, dropping resistor, current sensor etc...
- (#11849) david miller, 18 Nov 03 2:36
Hi, ive got a problem with my townace 2L diesel not holding a charge, im not very good with cars so any help for my friend who's doing it would be handy.
- (#6778) kevin, 30 Dec 03 18:03