190D 2.5 injectors - overhaul

[Adrianh1]

I've had starting problems for some time. Initially I thought it was the twin-tank Smartveg conversion. However the veg set-up was completely by-passed and the engine still ran badly. The injectors have now come out and are being cleaned; their spraying effectiveness will also be tested, followed by an engine compression check.

The first picture shows a (now) cleaned-up injector. The rest are in quite a state but will be cleaned shortly. Any thoughts on how bad the injectors look and whether they could be seriously affecting the running of the car? I'm not a mechanic. I've been passed these photos by the guy working on the car currently.

With thanks

First (cleaned) injector


The rest aren't so pretty...

 

[brianbrian]

These are known to be one of the best engines for starting, are the glow plugs O.K. & glow plug relay which is on near side front wing, you have not said what car is like once it has started, hope this helps as I would have checked these first,

 

[Adrianh1]

Thanks Brian. The glow plugs (Berus) are 18 months old and have been checked; they're in okay condition. The relay is fine. It's very difficult - impossible actually - to start the car from cold. It's only possible to jump-start it with the car on a downward slope and then churning away, before knocking it into second gear. Quite a bit of engine 'knock' too and takes an age to warm up. The engine has done 210k but serviced every 6k (oil change) and is normally beautifully smooth and quiet.

 

[mattkh]

Hi
Interesting.
Is the timing ok.

 

[Adrianh1]

We're going to look at the timing next, possibly, after cleaning up the injectors and doing a compression test. Meanwhile I'm missing using her... Here she is:

 

[brianbrian]

210k not a lot for this engine, let us know what the compression test shows, would be very surprised if it is low, very nice car, is there any servere or bad rust on rear jacking points, or front of rear sub-frame where it bolts on to chassis, if not spend money and get it running right and enjoy it, you would have to spend a lot of money now days to get a car any where as nice,safe, and comfortable also reliable once you get it right.

 

[Adrianh1]

Will do. I know the value of this car. I want to keep it for another 5 years, at least. A good 190D is very hard to find.