KZ not starting in this cold weather

[Donkey]

Hi

Over the past two/three days my bakkie has not been starting in the mornings, unfortunately when I'm night shift it has to sleep outside, as compared to the gagrage at home. I tried heating the diesel up via the glow plugs four or five times before starting, but nothing. Is this normal, and if not what could be the problem? This is my first diesel vehicle.

Only when it is pushed will it start. On a different note the driver side wheel bearing is due to be replaced, and though I can do most things around the bakkie, I'm not confident enough for the task. Is there anyone who's willing to assist or perhaps refer to a reputable workshop aroung Jo'burg?

Thank you in advance. Regards,

[Toybox]

At the risk of sounding stoopid, what's the condition of your battery?

[Donkey]

Hi Jonathan

It came with the bakkie, so I do not know but will take it in maybe tomorrow for a check, all along it's been good.

Regards,

[2.8 d/cab SFA]

could be glow plugs? that why cold start not working. From what u said it sounds like battery ok, cause u can turn it? It just not taking.
Mine turned out to be faulty starter, put new one in and 100%. Old starter pulled to much amps to turn so not enough to ignite, even though engine turned.

[Donkey]

Good morning gentlemen

Thank you for your input and so far here is how the story has unfolded. Took the bakkie to Diesel City in Jhb, who also happen to do the majority of diesel work for Toyota, the glow plugs were tested and they were serviceable. The guys then thought it could be the relay, which tested ok when i got home, i.e. both the winding and contacts. I then had the multi-meter on the glow plugs and the negative terminal of the battery, which registers +- 9.5v for a duration of about 10 sec, is this a normal voltage since I assume they are rated at 12v? :? Could there still be another item in the circuit that could possibly go faulty? Since the exercise it has been starting as per norm, but then again it has not been sleeping outside since I'm only doing night shift Friday and Saturday and it has not been that cold either.

Lessons learnt:

1. Donkey now knows what glow plugs are and how to test them.
2. Diesel city supplies McCarthy Toyota with spares like glow plugs and other turbo spares, at a fraction of what Toyota would charge you, their number is (011) 493-6226/7/8, will act as delivery boy should any of you need their spares within the Jhb area.

Once more thank you and warm regards,

[warrenaken]

Have a look at this, may be of help:

Fitting new front wheel bearings Hilux
http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/sho ... php?t=7131

[koeka]

Hi Donkey

Thanks for the info wrt Diesel city, wrt your problem it might be that there is no diesel coming through, because of the temperature but that all depends on what is the temperature in which your vehicle is standing. At 0 degrees Celsius diesel starts to cloud due to the paraffin in the fuel solidifying, if temperatures goes below 0 deg Celsius the molecules combine into solids which can be stopped by a filter, this usually starts at round about -9.5 degrees Celsius. Hope you get the problem sorted

Maybe the fundi's will be able to advise you !

[Donkey]

All the input is much appreciated, will keep you posted.

[krazy_kameleon]

Hi Donkey,

been struggling with my diesel as well. mine starts but won't rev-up.
I am trying Wynns Diesel Conditioner as recommended by the Landcruiser guys.

I will let you know if this helps tomorrow

[Donkey]

Good luck Richard, will hear from you then.

[krazy_kameleon]

I have posted my findings in a new thread - 'Wynns Diesel Conditioner'

[Mr_B]

Have or are going to Richard... can't find the thread??

[krazy_kameleon]

too fast for me B
busy typing it up
just waiting for my cellphone to e-mail me the pic of the bottle to add to the thread (for those who love pictures :) )

[Family_Dog]

Mr. B, is it just me, or are you looking somewhat different in your avatar. What did you do - cut your hair?

Mr B.gif (9.68 KiB) Viewed 4990 times

-F_D

[Donkey]

Hi guys

The KZ still battles to start in the cold, , but I can confirm that it is neither the glow plugs nor the glow plug relay, in as much as I will try Wynns, I still need to know for sure what voltage should register at the plugs on start up. I only register 9.5v which weird since the system operates on 12v, that's just my logic, Is there anyone who can confirm the voltage required and possibly suggest what else could have gone wrong? Much appreciated.

Regards,

[Mr_B]

Mr. B, is it just me, or are you looking somewhat different in your avatar. What did you do - cut your hair?

Mr B.gif

-F_D

Please Eric... stay on topic... for more information on how this lady(well known to some members) got there please speak to one OOOOOMS....

[Family_Dog]

That's a lady?


-F_D

[Mud Dog]

That's a lady?


-F_D

I'd definitely class her in that category, Eric! ...failure to do so could result in a severe backlash! .... Come to think of it, I'd also categorize her in that class!

[Gertc]

The gloplus draw close to 22Amp and therefor the 9.5V on the glow plugs.

[Donkey]

Hi Gert

Thanks for the confirmation, it could then be also that the timer does not allow them to glow long enough because I have noticed it kicks in for about five seconds, if not less, so that could be a factor especially in the extreme cold. Interestingly enough we use Ford Ranger bakkies at work and pre-start up, the voltage at the glow plugs is 12v. I suppose different makes therefore different circuitry?

Regards,

[Family_Dog]

My assumption is that the battery is either on its way out or is too small for the daunting task of starting a diesel engine, glow plugs et al, on a cold morning. I don't think the battery voltage should fall to 9.5v from just 22A for a few seconds.


-F_D

[Donkey]

Hi Eric

The battery is fine, it maintains 12v on start-up and once the engine is running flactuates around 13.4v. As I said earlier I think the timer is the culprit, if there is such on the KZ, because the duration of the glow plug indicator on the dash lasts only about five secs or less, hense the difficulty in starting on especially cold weather.

Regards,

[ROBERT]

Hi
I had a similar problem last year april.
the bakkie would turn over with the starterr but not catch.
dealer told me that it was probably glowplugs.
glowplugs were 100%
dealer then said it was the diesel pump and injectors and wanted my lifes savings to recon.
i then took it to Northern Diesel in PTA and was told diesel pump and injectors 100% but the SAC chip ws giving problems.
Took it to SAC who tested chip and battery and replaced the battery.
put a new battery and new tank of diesel in (the diesel in the tank when the problem started was low sulphur which ti me was strange as low sulphur diesel is meant to be a better quality than normal)
after the new battery and diesel she has been 100% no problems for more than a year even in thsi cold weather she starts on the first crank, and she sleeps outside.

[Donkey]

Hi guys

Last week the KZ got a service, after which she has been her normal self, even in the cold. Case closed, . Now sitting at 280 000km and going strong. Thank you very much to all for the input.

Regards.