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Have a 90bhp HDI runs like a dream but has always been a bit slow to start. Had it about 2 years now.
I notice now coming into the colder weather is turns over for a LONG time trying to start in the mornings.
Thought it was heater plugs bought a new set and fitted but no better at all. Just wanting some suggestions on the next thing to try.
I thought the battery may be dying. Its never slow to turn over or sounds sluggish, I tested it and getting 12.2V sitting idle and 14.4V with the engine running which to me are good numbers. Just wondering could it have lost some cranking over current with being an older battery?
Would hooking up another car with jump leads be a good test to see if it starts easier?

Once started and ran its starts nearly straight away the rest of the day unless sitting for periods of say 8 hours or more.

Also thinking starter motor but would cold weather affect it?? I thought not.

Any thoughts fire away.

When you say 'slow to start' do you mean it's the starter going slow, or the engine taking a while to fire up with a fast spinning starter?

Do you have the priming bulb under the bonnet?
Some 90s do and some don't, but if you do it's possible it is starting to perish and let tiny bubbles or air into the fuel line over a long period.
Try squeezing it a few times before starting it in the morning.

I presume that's a priming bulb and liming bulb was a typo....

DaveyRapier wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2019 8:58 pm Its never slow to turn over or sounds sluggish

Siemens versions have the priming bulb, no lift pump you see. If there's a small leak it might not be enough to let diesel out but enough to let air in, if the car is left for a while the fuel drains into the tank, hence needing a lot of cranking to get it back to the engine.

It's spinning over fast and doesn't slow down as if the battery is struggling.
Yes there is a priming bulb under the bonnet will give that a try and report back. Thanks

Sorry, now my boys are older and spending their time wisely* on the home of, I now have to resort to replying and typing on my phone - and as I'm getting older too I find I'm holding the phone further away from my face...

I'm sure, despite my loathing for poor spelling and grammar I shall make many more typing errors in the future...
Apologies sent in advance

Should have gone to...

Funnily enough, I've just come back from there..

I'm picking up my new glasses next Friday

OK after a few days trying the priming it doesn't make any difference.
The main factor in this problem is cold weather. Makes it so much worse. So I'm thinking battery again....

A healthy battery should be showing around 12.6 Volts.

My MX5, with its rather old gel (AGM) battery, never shows better than 12.4 Volts.
The car starts fine on that. Also on 12.3 if the car has been sat for a week or so.
After another stationery week, the voltage will drop to 12.2 Volts. The car won't start on that.
The engine turns over fine, it all sounds good, but it just won't fire up.

Suggest you substitute a new, or known healthy battery.

Yes, I have a similar thing with my van - if the battery is slightly low it just won't start, but it'll jump start fine.

No harm in charging your battery overnight to see if it makes a difference, and it's an opportunity to check your battery clamps are on tightly.

For anyone who may be interested, I fitted a new battery and the car is starting on the button now. Thanks for the replies and help

Excellent, glad it's sorted.