C250 diesel 1994 - Didn't start out of the blue - 25% veg oi

[pcman_jh]

Any clues as to what caused this morning's failure to start? Outside temp was 9'C, whereas we were down to 4'C during the week (so don't suspect cold affecting the 25% veg oil). Starting process is - wait until glow light goes out, turn key, normally starts immediately. This time it fired momentarily (less than a second), then just turns with the starter with no obvious signs any of the cylinders firing.

The only way I can get it started from this condition is to take off the fuel filter, drain it, put 100% diesel in the filter and pour in 100% diesel through the bolt orifice that holds it in place, tighten up the holding bolt, then crank it until it fires (usally about 15 seconds, which feels longer since it normally starts first thing.). After this it's fine for the rest of the day.

My experiemetns with Veg oil have had me up to 70% mixture, but I've been at 25% for the past 6 monhts with only the one morning where it spluttered into life. I changed most of the fuel pump assemblies O rings about 5 months ago as I'd heard they can let in air on the older cars.

I'd like to continue with Veg Oil, so I'd be keen to hear from anyone who's experience similar circumstances and got to the bottom of it.

 

[dieselman]

It sounds like an air leak which is exaserbated by the veg iol being more viscous so harder to suck.

 

[Scooby]

my friend who may or may not be running a ford transit direct injection diesel engined van has experienced no problems with up to 60% SVO on cold mornings (heavy frost).