[Vwdiesel] Cold starting procedure?

[Val Christian]

Joe,

I could be quite a few things.  Poor compression, injectors not quite 
working right, timing off a bit, or, yes, even glow plugs.
And it could be starters, grounds, battery connections and even
the battery.

Your best bet is to eliminate each one.

Since it's a 82, one place I would start is with the glow plugs.  You can
mess with the strap, or if you can get access to a DC current probe,
you can meaure the current going to the group of four plugs.  
Depending upon the plugs, expect 35 to 60 amps when glowing. 
You'll need a hall effect current meter, and a friend to flip the
switch while you test.

Val


> 
>  
> I've been meaning to ask another question and always forget.  My 82 Rabbit
> n/a is nearly impossible to start at anything under 40 degrees (F) without
> using the block heater... But I find I must also depress the throttle
> significantly (like an inch) as well as have the advance pulled out and the
> block heater cooking for at least an hour.  Nice big cloud appears behind me
> and lasts maybe 10 to 15 seconds.  Won't idle well for at least a minute or
> two without gently stepping on the throttle.  (I don't floor it)  Is this a
> sign of one or more glow plugs being out or clogged injectors or both?  It
> purrs like a kitten once warm and still gets 42-45 MPG at 70 MPH.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Joe
> 
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