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Starting a Diesel Mk1 that has been sitting for a few years
Joshslatts - August 27th, 2015 at 08:59 AM

I'm not massively knowledgeable on diesel motors, should I pull the injectors/glow plugs, try and get some oil in the crank case, turn it over to lube it up then reinstall injectors and plugs and start her up? or should is there more to it then that?


Old Dubber - August 27th, 2015 at 06:01 PM

Nah, just do the usual checks, fuel lines, air cleaner, oil etc, add diesel and with a good battery, it will go. You just can't kill them!


VWMA Editor - August 27th, 2015 at 08:39 PM

It's getting the glow plugs to be warm enough for good ignition. With a fully charged battery and clean fuel, turn the key to ignition, but do not crank straight away. Wait about 15-20 seconds to give the glow plugs plenty of time to heat, then with a little choke, crank the engine. When they sit for a while, the fuse and relay take some time to get the current flowing. Also, ensure the filter is clean and that no diesel oil is sitting in the manifold.