cold starting problem

[Parkko]

One for the technical Gods.
My car is a 51 reg 2.5 Tdi with 135K and full history.
From cold starting after the glow plug lights gone out it takes between 5/10 seconds to fire.Hot starting is no problem.The engine sounds fine doesnt use oil or water etc.The battery spins the engine no problem and holds charge.
Took it to a well respected non franchise Audi man who hooked up the computer and declared a fault on the cool water sensor, common problem and a new sensor was fitted.This didnt help with the starting problem.A new fuel filter (which was required) was fitted incase the seals were allowing air to ingress into the system, though it wasnt leaking fuel.Still hasnt solved the problem.
My suggestion all along was the glow plugs.Audi man said he has never had to replace them in a 2.5 engine and services some cars with over 200/250 K.
There are no faults showing on the computer.
Anyone got any ideas
cheers Steve

[kenney]

Glow plugs are nomally the first thing you check

[Crasher]

Check the glow plugs, it isn't difficult.

[bquattro]

Hi Parkko. I had a similar problem on my W/2000 2.5tdi at 149,000miles, when I purchased it, although it only took about 4-5 seconds for a cold start and a fair bit of blue smoke. Had the 2nd timing belt change at 150,000 and it starts almost on the button every time now from cold/hot with minimal smoke. Hope this helps.

Ben

[shabazmo]

These engines have a problem with camshaft wear which was reported in Audi Driver magazine. symptons are rough idle and jerky power delevery throughout the rev range. Hope this helps.

[Parkko]

Thanks for the quick replies.
Going to get the glow plugs done , its not a expensive job.Would a fault with the glow plugs not show as a fault when the diagnostic computers plugged in?

Read the seriously scary thread re camshaft wear,so far mine has a steady tick over and pulls as smooth as silk.A few of my mates have 2.5 TDi's and so far theyve been bulletproof ,which is why Ive bought mine.
I should stop reading these forums lol

cheers Steve

[Parkko]

Forgot to add my car had a cambelt change when I got the car 3K ago and doesn't smoke at all.
I'm sure its the glow plugs

[tdi miki]

Forgot to add my car had a cambelt change when I got the car 3K ago and doesn't smoke at all.
I'm sure its the glow plugs

who did the tb change?Did you have this problem before the tb change.It is known that these cars have cold start problems if the timing is off.

[Parkko]

Cambelt kit plus water pump one of the jobs I insisted the dealer did when I bought the car.It wasnt from an Audi dealer.Ill get the glow plugs done by the lad in my area who is a non franchise VW Audi expert. He has said that if the replacement water sensor or fuel filter didnt cure things he would have a good look at it and cure wharever it is.Ive not yet booked it in with him yet, Ive just pitched up and had a moan, the guy has dropped everything to have a look a my car.I havent paid for the fuel filter yet. Im sure it is something simple like the glow plugs as otherwise the car runs great averaging 40mpg.
I'll mention to him all thsat has been suggested on this thread,
Steve

[Parkko]

Oh bugger, may as well own up
The battery was well and truly knackered.It would give it enough to spin the engine, but nothing like how the new battery does.
All is now well which makes me happy, though theres nothing like baring your **** on a public forum
Steve