escort diesel

[onebrian]

my escort diesel 1.8 injection struggles to start, and is sluggish when running blowing out dence smoke when when the injectors kick in. changedthe plugs pump filter and the slave gate. any suggestions

[whowhatwhy]

sluggish to start: replaced the glow plug(s)? Easy fix.
Smoke under power: Piston rings will be on the way out. Alot more hassle...head off to replace the seals, rings gaskets. Try some slightly thicker oil for a while?!

good luck.

[mr rusty]

Firstly ensure that the diesel pump is timed correctly, and check the drive (cam) belt- it's not unknown for them to jump a tooth if the tensioner is on the way out, and the pump being out of time will cause the problems you describe. Also, has anyone been fiddling with the fuelling settings?

If you are unsure how to check the pump timing take it to a diesel specialist.

What colour is the smoke when it starts and is driving? Black smoke indicates overfuelling, white smoke (what you get on start-up) is unburnt fuel, and blue smoke is burning engine oil- if the engine's shot, I'd expect it to be blue smoke. Black or white smoke indicates an out of time pump.

[pop monkey]

providing your timing belt is ok and has not jumped a tooth your injectors could be on the way out. a reconditioned set is the cheapest way round this.