Mk1 Deisel Troubles !

[jimbobb]

I have just converted my Seat Ahlhambra 2.0l petrol to an 110BHP AFN Diesel due to a rather poor manual conversion that someone had done causing numerous problems. Most of the parts were sourced from a VW Sharan and engine from a Passat. After a lot of head scratching all was together all electrics appeared to be working and then the moment of truth.....

 

It wouldn't start yes the engine turned over fine but just made a lot of smoke and no go. Possibly air in the fuel? I don't think so. Anyway we faffed about checked this and that as suggested in other posts on the forum. Still no go

 

We then changed the brake pedal switch as it was a bit iffy and had come across this in newer VW's and thought it was worth a shot and checked the rear restraining belt warning switch (Disabled Converted). Finally it started

 

The starting takes quite a while then it runs a little rough but picks up after a few seconds possibly a little more smoke than there should be (white)??? However when running the glow plug light flashes. Is there any one else who has come across issues such as these or anyone who has any ideas on what could be the problem?

[seatkid]

You should perform a diagnostic, (maybe invest in VAGCOM), to check for error codes.

 

Check the fuel pump timing. (Don't ask me how - look it up on the TIS)

 

It might also be the crank position sensor (faulty or not connected)

[Brookydave]

On a Mk1 the only way to set the timing properly is with Vagcom TDIcheck or something. Works great. Easiest mechanical diesel timing reset I have come across.

White smoke = unburnt fuel .

Timing or glowplugs.

Cheers

Dave

[Neils TDi again]

The deisel ecu has a gradual decrees in the glow plug power it is no longer just on for start, the symptoms your describing in terms of bad starting and the bad idle then gradually improvement to running with white smoke would indicate the glow plugs are not being energised check the rail and relay for activity.