Problems at warm starts ... ?

[Komissar]

Hello,

For the last couple of days I've started driving my "new" 1989 Vanagon for the first time since i've got it.
1.6 Diesel engine - non-turbo. 1989 vanagon.

I've noticed a strange problem:

After driving for a while, and after the engine warmed up, it's very hard to restart the engine. I hve to crank it A LOT to get it started or to wait for it to cool down.

Anybody have any ideea what's the source of this strange behaviour ?
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1965 Sunroof Beetle
1972 Type 3 Squareback
1978 Skoda 105S

[alnvilma]

I don't know if diesels have the same 'black box' on the side wall of the engine bay but, it sounds like your (cheap/easy) fuel pump relay.

[Komissar]

It also has the black relay box, however, the diesel pump is 100% mechanical.
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1965 Sunroof Beetle
1972 Type 3 Squareback
1978 Skoda 105S

[crazyvwvanman]

The cause could be related to the glow plug system. There is a temp sensor on the head that signals the glow plug relay how long to run the glow plugs. If the glow plugs are not coming on when the engine is warm then only engine compression is available to heat up the fuel and make it burn. If the engine is getting tired then there may be to low compression to do this. I would put a test light on the glow plugs and see if the plugs are getting power from the relay at the times when it won't start.

Mark

[bowditch]

I just acquired an 82 diesel with a 1.9 conversion which is having the same problem. Did you ever get to figure it out? I am wondering if the temp isnt set right so its not activating the glow plugs at the right time.