Vito Glow Plugs

[bismarck]

I have a 05 Vito 115 CDI and sometimes when the engine is hot and i try to start it, it turns over and kicks but refuses to start. If I wait for a few minutes it starts first time. Has anyone heard of this problem before? Also the glow plug light has just come on for a few seconds after startup. I have been told that there is a huge problem replacing the glow plugs on this engine because sometimes they cross thread. Where is the glow plug relay box in the engine bay and do I have to remove the injector pipes to get at the glow plugs? If I do remove the injector pipes, will the system air lock or is it a self bleeding system? I am not a mechanic and badly in need of help. Does anyone think that the non starting problem is related to the glow plugs even though the engine is red hot and in the summertime? All advice welcome - thanks

 

[Benza750]

It sounds like a sensor problem, poss crank sensor, if they go faulty they hard start when warm & ok when it cools down.
Also may be worth getting injector leak off checked.
If you attemp glow plugs make sure engine is hot & fill the recess they are in with penetrating oil / lube they can seize in the head & break on the way out if not carefull.
You shouldn't have to touch injector lines but if you do it will self bleed upon cranking to restart.

 

[bismarck]

Thanks benza that points me in the right direction.How do i know crank sensor is faulty if i get it plugged into a garage computer will it tell me?Also whats a injector leak test.Thanks benza.

 

[mersum1es]

Thanks benza that points me in the right direction.How do i know crank sensor is faulty if i get it plugged into a garage computer will it tell me?Also whats a injector leak test.Thanks benza.

The diagnose system (especially if STAR) will reveal faulty sensor with a good accuracy.

In injector leak test, return flow of the injector are measured separately. The leaks should be close each others, and amount should nor exceed over 20ml/min if I recall right. The leak test tells if internal seals of the injectors are worn.

If you touch injector lines, change the o-rings of the low pressure lines too. Usually they are already hardened, and start to leak when reassembled. And bad o-rings may cause the start problems too (usually do that with cold engine, not warm). By parking the car toward the downhill often gives first aid to this air leak problem.

Glow plugs are usually har to get out if not changed immediately after the light has indicated the fault. Glows are not needed very seriously in CDI start up (especially with warm engine), so you are suffering two separate poblems, glow plug and something else.

 

[Benza750]

As above

There is two types of injector leak off test depending on fault.
You really need to find mechanic or Indy with merc knowledge

 

[bismarck]

Thanks guys.Have rang around and it turns out i know a merc mechanic with a genuine diagnose systems so he will look at crank sensor for me.Was going to leave glow plugs but now that i know the longer i leave them the harder they are to remove i will get them replaced quickly.Will let you know how i get on.Thanks again great help.