1.9cdti 120 struggles to start

**villadam** · 24th June 2012, 14:38

Hi guys having a little problem with my vec on first start after it has been left a while like over night. It struggles to start and needs to turn over 3-5 times to start but then will start first times throughout the rest of the day. I've tried letting the the coil light come on and then switching the ignition off again then trying it after couple of times but still struggles. Any ideas??

**alcutler** · 24th June 2012, 14:41

Starter motor, glow plugs, air getting into fuel system, battery!

**barney490** · 24th June 2012, 16:40

If she is turning slowly, first thoughts would be battery, so have it checked. most motor factors do this for free on the chance they can sell you a battery. If the battery is fine, then suspect the starter as it seems to be cropping up more and more on 120's

**Chunklamb** · 24th June 2012, 18:44

I have a similar problem with my car, I have to turn the ignition on to the point before it starts, then leave it for say 5 seconds, then turn her over and she starts first time.

I think mine just has to prime the fuel line every time for some reason. I've changed the leak off pipes but that seemed to do nothing.

**frasedeb** · 25th June 2012, 08:45

Probably starter motor, had mine replaced and cured the problem, spins up much faster than the old starter.

**Vectra Adz** · 25th June 2012, 09:01

Mine was the starter motor, £85 brand new on ebay i got one for.

**alcutler** · 25th June 2012, 09:32

I am a bit of a Crusader for the starter motor being the cause of starting problems on this and the 150 engine as you will see in previous posts - as they wear they start to turn the engine over at a lower speed than is needed to fire the engine - loads of previous posts about this. But obviously first of all, as said above - check you battery and alternator before doing anything!

**Chunklamb** · 25th June 2012, 09:33

Is it easy to fit??

**alcutler** · 25th June 2012, 09:39

Originally Posted by Chunklamb

Is it easy to fit??

Yes three bolts and two electrical connections - the problem as usual is access - on the 120 its low down at the rear of the engine and not easy to get onto the three bolts holding it in place - but do able. I took my time and got as much stuff out of the way as possible, battery and battery box, etc and that helped wwith the access. I bought a remanufactured motor of Ebay from a selller I use a lot cost around £90 but never looked back since . Starts firt turn of the key whether hot or cold and believe me I had replaced everything before trying the motor.