My son has a 1998 Octy Mk1 1.9 TDI GLX manual 90bhp (135k miles). For some time now the starter motor has seemed very "lazy", only just managing to turn the engine over slowly. I don't think it's a battery problem as it still occurs when using jump leads. Also, when the engine does start, there is quite a puff of smoke from the exhaust. It is the same whether the engine is hot or cold.

As a first step we intend replacing the starter motor but are unsure which one to buy. Checking the internet we see references to 2 hole/3 hole fixings and also the terms AGR and AHX.

Secondly, could it be a faulty engine temperature sensor which is causing the "puff of smoke" to be emitted on starting?

If so, where do we find it and how do we replace it?

Is anyone able to clear up the confusion?

Many thanks in advance.

Dave

If the starter's turning slowly, that won't help, particularly on a diesel, which relies partly on the air charge being heated by the compression to achieve ignition. Get the actual engine code from a big (really big, like about 4inches each way) sticker on the boot floor. The engine code is usually in the top left quadrant.

So sort that first. The usual suspects are the starter feed lead at the starter end, and the engine earth strap(s), or, with the mileage, possibly the starter bushes or commutator, particularly if the car does lots of engine stop/start driving.

The white smoke could be the engine temperature sensor, or possibly the glow plugs (although they're not that necessary on these direct injection engines). You need to get the fault codes read to sort this out.

I know that you said that you dont think it is the battery but mine (s reg 1.9TDI 90BHP) had the same problem a while back i replaced the battery with a new one and it still had the slow start. Since then i have replaced the new battery with a larger one (more cranking amps) i had and that seems to have cured the slow starting. is it getting worse now its colder ing the morinings?? as mine got worse during winter

Thanks for the replies.

Naturally the problem is worse during cold weather but the engine "spin over" rate is none too sparkling even during the warmer weather.

My own car is a 2004 Mk11 Octy 1.9 TDI Ambiente PD105 (53k miles) which starts beautifully hot or cold.

Regards,

Dave

I would try and change the battery personaly because if the battery is stuffed it will effect it when using jump leads as well any way good luck with sorting it out