My '83 OD34 M25 is hard to start this year. Looking for help. Here's what I have learned so far: only an issue at a cold start; engine turns over fine (not a battery or starter issue - new batteries this year); engine runs great once started - idles smoothly (for a M25), runs at speed under load for hours with no problem, no smoke, etc; after 15 secs or so of glow plug I crank for maybe 5 secs with no firing, wait 10 secs and repeat, on second or 3rd try engine starts to fire and then, with help from the starter it finally starts; once started runs fine. Restarts instantly once warm.
Other bits of info: put new injectors in this winter, new exhaust system (so no blockage), voltage at glow plugs when energized is about 9 volts (has original thru-the-wiring-to-the-push-button glow plug wiring - no relay), each glow plug reads about 1.9 ohms tested individually.
I suspect glow plugs but understand they are rated 10 volts (not 12 volts) so actual 9 volts would still give 80% of heating power - doesn't seem that would be enough to cause the problem but maybe. (Anyone know 100% that the 10 volt rating is correct? If 12 volt nominal then the 9 volts is only 56% power and that sounds like trouble.) I plan to add a glow plug relay but don't have a strong feeling that will be the cure.
Have searched websites for help and come up dry given circumstances above. Any advice would be appreciated.
Other bits of info: put new injectors in this winter, new exhaust system (so no blockage), voltage at glow plugs when energized is about 9 volts (has original thru-the-wiring-to-the-push-button glow plug wiring - no relay), each glow plug reads about 1.9 ohms tested individually.
I suspect glow plugs but understand they are rated 10 volts (not 12 volts) so actual 9 volts would still give 80% of heating power - doesn't seem that would be enough to cause the problem but maybe. (Anyone know 100% that the 10 volt rating is correct? If 12 volt nominal then the 9 volts is only 56% power and that sounds like trouble.) I plan to add a glow plug relay but don't have a strong feeling that will be the cure.
Have searched websites for help and come up dry given circumstances above. Any advice would be appreciated.
