vectra C 2.dti still struggles to start when left for a while, (even after fuel off pipes replaced!?

[Rocky Balboa]

Hi Gents.
Hoping you can help,
I used this site to learn that the non start issue is 9 times out of 10 down to perished fuel off pipes, letting air seep into the system causing the temporary air block.
I have recently changed these, but i still have problems starting the car, normally in a morning when its been sat parked up overnight.
What else can it be?
Im determined not to goto a dealer and hand over a blankety blank cheque book and pen
Thanks
Paul

[si_hoss]

Have you noticed if it only struggles to start if parked up hill, but ok when facing downhill?

Only thing I can suggest is changing the injector seals, not really a side of the road job from what I've heard.

[bigmac]

Could be Starter, battery or glow plugs and relay

[si_hoss]

Could be Starter, battery or glow plugs and relay

I'm still toying with changing my starter lol.

[dh.dti]

in addition to the starter etc... check the fuel filter for hairline cracks

[sb1uk]

It is definatly the seals. You can change them if yo ar mech minded. just undo cam gears making sure you mark them and the remove the cams. then its like a walk in the park. You should be done is about 2 hours.

[roswell]

Start basic how old is the battery, what condition is it in ?
Are the earth points clean ?

if you have a multi meter your battery should be pumping out 12.5 + V positive to negative, with engine running probe positive to the engine block you should be getting 14 V + if your alternator is healthy. You can prove this by probing positive to negative with the engine running the reading should be the same as positive to engine, if its isnt the engine isnt earthing correctly.

another free test is diconnect the coolant temp sensor and see if it starts easier the next morning this can be a problem when the sensor is nearing end of life or your engine isnt earthed properly which you will find out with the miltimeter above

[sb1uk]

When poeple say car will not start when parked on pavement or when car is facing uphil or downhill . its not battery. Its either leak off pipes or injector seals. if you put a relacment fuel pipe on car with a one way valve in the pipe this sort the problem out. The problem is with the seals gone it lets air in system . Another way to check is to take fuel filter out and see if oil is in the filter housing and filter.

[peadar]

you could try a hand primer which has a built in non return you can get 1 with the quick release fittings that fit into your filter head @ around £30
have you tried starting it with the water temp sensor wire pluged off
also i would recomend a new battery , i was reluctant to buy 1 but when i did it did help with my poor starting
but as sb1uk says it is most likely injector seals or lack of compression due to engine wear , i cant get anyone to do my seals wish i lived near sb1uk lol

[Rocky Balboa]

Im thinking its not battery, as it appears to have plenty of power when i crank for approx 3 x 30 secs!
I have tried parking it at different angles but this does not affect.
It does not matter if if its nearly out of fuel or nearly full.
It is always when left parked up for over 24 hours, im convinced its air sneak.
Looking at all your helpful comments im thinking i should def try new injector seals.
The car by the way (for extra info) has just hit 50,000miles with full service history. Thanks everyone, any more comments pls shout up.
id be so happy if i could sort this without admitting defeat and going to the VX dealers. Cheers.