Hi 

Im after some advice from you guys.

My 09 year Octavia has some starting issues.

Whether its cold or warm out it struggles to start on first turn of the key...it usually takes 2 or 3 turns to get it going and when it does a puff of dark smoke follows. Ive changed the glow plugs and coolant temp sensor and its got a service.

any advice?

When did it last have a fuel filter?, is the battery in good condition? is the timing correct? Have you checked for fault codes? Have you checked all the fuel hoses are tight and secure? (the ones on the lift pump, fuel filter and tandem pump)

In all probability it could just be a tired battery.

 

If you can't test it try starting with a jump start, the extra power should allow you to assess if it starts easier.

 

Smoke will most likely just be poorly combusted diesel from the extra cranking so nothing to be concerned about, perfectly normal and to be expected.

cheers for the replies lads....i never even thought of the battery. All filters were replaced recently.