Cold starting woes - Chapter 2

[Barlow]

So I've replaced the battery for a new'un, and that helped..for a while, but I'm basically back to cranking the hell out of it.

Now the glow plugs don't illuminate in this warm weather, and that's helped me figure out what the problem could be.
In the morning I turn the ignition on and don't crank. Then, off, then on, then off...etc. Appx 4 -5 times, then the car starts OK.
I'm thinking that the diesel is running back down the pipe to the tank...or thereabouts.
So I've ordered a 10mm non-return valve from ebay. Not sure whether to put it near the filter housing or further down the line, so any advice is welcome.
I've also ordered some 3.2mm braided to do the leak offs. I've heard lots of people say this could be the problem but in honesty, I've noticed (from googling) that it very rarely fixes the issue.

[dh.dti]

Try replacing the coolant temp sensor for the pre heat system... my glow plug light illuminates in this weather first thing in the morning

[Barlow]

Try replacing the coolant temp sensor for the pre heat system... my glow plug light illuminates in this weather first thing in the morning

That's on the thermostat isn't it? I only replaced that appx 6 weeks ago.

[merikiito]

If the fuel is returning back down the pipe there must be a air leak somewhere in the pipes

[Barlow]

If the fuel is returning back down the pipe there must be a air leak somewhere in the pipes

Well if it is I would say it's at the connections to the fuel filter housing. It looks poorly designed.

[merikiito]

are you sure there are no leaks, there is a water release valve under the filter that might be loose (I think) plus make sure there is no diesel around the injectors etc

Is it the 150 version? If so I am going to have a look at mine and see if I can spot anything that might help you

[Barlow]

are you sure there are no leaks, there is a water release valve under the filter that might be loose (I think) plus make sure there is no diesel around the injectors etc

Is it the 150 version? If so I am going to have a look at mine and see if I can spot anything that might help you

No, it's a 120 matey.
Injectors are dry. It's hard to check for air leaks around those hoses as you probably know.
I had the idea to bind it up with PTFE tape and see if that helped. It would then at least point me to the fault.
I have a strong feeling diesel is running back to the tank...which would mean an air leak is the likely cause.
At least a non-return valve will stop it going anywhere regardless of an airleak.

[FLOB]

Try replacing the coolant temp sensor for the pre heat system... my glow plug light illuminates in this weather first thing in the morning

sometimes it only flashes on- but it does come on in mine too....

Fitted a new stat and then did glow plugs and temp sensor/sender.

I wasn't having any probs before I did it as she always started on the first attempt, but now she never takes more than 2 seconds to fire and is almost instant when the glow plug light stays on for a few seconds

[haye2412]

My son who is a Vauxhall tec put a valve on my old 2.2 dti under the bonnet over by off Side of engine

[Barlow]

My son who is a Vauxhall tec put a valve on my old 2.2 dti under the bonnet over by off Side of engine

I think the pump on the 1.9 is on the nearside.
Did it fix your starting issues?