[Vwdiesel] Cold starting procedure?

[Roger Brown]

On 12/23/2010 10:27 AM, Joe wrote:
>
> 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

Sounds like glow plugs:
	http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/GlowPlugs.shtml

I found with one bad plug, it was hesitant to start and smoked a good bit for a minute or 
so after starting and w/ 2 bad plugs, it was difficult to start and you needed to work the 
throttle until it warmed up and stopped smoking in a few minutes.

-- 

   Roger