850 TDI start problems

My TDI takes very long to start when its freezing below 10 degrees celsius.
With 0 degrees or minus 5 degrees it is no problem. The startengine cranks
it could be faster but it keeps on going, when the engine starts it is
running smoothly without smoking.
Have had the battery checked it is a little weak but ok and there is approx.
0,5 volts voltage loss in the cable
from charger unit to the battery charging with apporx. 13.3 volt with
everything electrical turned on. The battery
is a 74 AH standard battery.

Any suggestions or experiences?

Best regards
Per

 

I don't have much experience with diesel engines, but at work our diesel
generator (which hadn't been run in many months) didn't start. It turned out
to be a bad - gummed up - cutoff solenoid. Just a thought.

Mike

 

Have you checked the Glow plugs and the glow-plug relay for correct
operation? Most cold start diesel problems are down to faulty plugs or
relay.

Cheers, Peter.

 

Sounds like the glow plugs are fine but your battery is weak / not big
enough. At low temperatures its not able to supply enough power to spin the
engine over quick enough.

Get the biggest aH battery which will fit the tray.

Tim..

 

Thanks for the inputs,

I bought a new battery and now the starter spins faster. Hope this will do
when it becomes
minus 10 degrees or more.

The car has done 150.000 miles with the same startengine - anything more to
gain if I
clean or renovate the starter?

Thanks
Per