Possible that I harmed my injectors with propane torch?

[bradley6]

Hi:

The heading describes the heart of the issue; I've looked at all the cold starting threads and am aware of all the related issues. I have fresh glow plugs now, though I didn't at the outset of the problem. The 'waist' of the injectors (narrow section) shows some sort of superficial degradation, and there seems to be some extra air in the lines that is hindering starting. No apparent leaks with cranking or sitting post-cranking, however.

Here's some background:

My 79 300td was giving me some problems starting, but running perfectly, as the fall season got colder (possible compression issues, poss. glow plug issues). Rather suddenly, on a 32 degree morning, it wouldn't start at all and the battery died out (rather old). Two days later, I took it a fresh (but not new) battery and decided to supplement it with some heat on the intake manifold, injectors, and hard injector lines. It started right away and ran fine; I drove it 3-4 miles and shut it down. The next am, not very cold at all, it wouldn't start, despite long, strong cranking and doubled glow cycles. I gave it more heat with the torch, to no avail, despite continued healthy cranking. Lots of cranking, recharging, cracking lines, and primer pumping later, I still can't start it.

Should I try wd-40 in the intake during cranking?

Do any of you know what I might have done to damage the injector body with the torch?

Thanks very, very, much!

[Aquaticedge]

you.. Propane torched your engine? It's not something I would do given the amount of damage you could potentially do.... When you try to start your car, have you tried to hold the accelerator pedal down to the floor? when my TD gives me pains thats usually what I end up doing.

[Graplr]

32F is not very cold for no starting issues. So how does it start now with the new battery and new glow plugs?

When was the last time you did a valve adjustment? My first winter I owned my SD I messed up the Intake/Exhaust pattern and had my clearances messed up. Even with that it would still cold start down to about 20F. Now I can cold start it well into the negative single digits F (not that I try if often as it is not good for the engine but I did a -5F cold start last winter when I forgot to plug it in).

When is the last time you changed the fuel filters? Also have you inspected the fuel screen on the tank?


Regarding the propane torch. I doubt you did any damage to the metal parts with the torch but I would look closely at all the plastic/rubber parts which you held the torch near.

[kerry]

You write that you have new glow plugs. Have you confirmed they are working? Check for voltage at the plugs with the key in the glow position. Do you have loop plugs or pencil plugs in it? If no voltage, check the strip fuse. 90%+ of no start conditions when no work has been done on the fuel system are glowplug related.
If you have voltage at all the plugs, I'd then do a compression check.
Doubt that the heat of propane torch would do anything other than make the injectors feel cosy.

[Cr from Texas]

Did you melt the insulation off and short out some wiring to the glow plugs with the torch?

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by bradley6

Hi:

The heading describes the heart of the issue; I've looked at all the cold starting threads and am aware of all the related issues. I have fresh glow plugs now, though I didn't at the outset of the problem. The 'waist' of the injectors (narrow section) shows some sort of superficial degradation, and there seems to be some extra air in the lines that is hindering starting. No apparent leaks with cranking or sitting post-cranking, however.

Here's some background:

My 79 300td was giving me some problems starting, but running perfectly, as the fall season got colder (possible compression issues, poss. glow plug issues). Rather suddenly, on a 32 degree morning, it wouldn't start at all and the battery died out (rather old). Two days later, I took it a fresh (but not new) battery and decided to supplement it with some heat on the intake manifold, injectors, and hard injector lines. It started right away and ran fine; I drove it 3-4 miles and shut it down. The next am, not very cold at all, it wouldn't start, despite long, strong cranking and doubled glow cycles. I gave it more heat with the torch, to no avail, despite continued healthy cranking. Lots of cranking, recharging, cracking lines, and primer pumping later, I still can't start it.

Should I try wd-40 in the intake during cranking?

Do any of you know what I might have done to damage the injector body with the torch?

Thanks very, very, much!

Depending on how extreme you got with heating the Injectors I doubt if you damaged them.

However, I am not sure exactly what you did heat and to what extent you heated it.
Taking a Torch to the Intake Manifold could loosen some of the scum in it and cause that to get sucked into the Engine.

[bradley6]

The glow plugs are now working well, but with no start at any temperature.

I'm intrigued but alarmed by your mention of 'scum' on the intake manifold. Like scale? As in bits of ferrous metal? It seems like that would do some damage. Could you elaborate?

[bradley6]

The fuel filters are new, but I haven't checked the tank screen.

The primary issue seems to be air in the lines, even after extensive bleeding, but W/O ANY EVIDENCE OF LEAKS AFTER CRANKING OR RUNNING (the last time it would, that is).

I suppose injector damage could introduce air, but wouldn't they also leak fuel during cranking?

Thanks again!

[bradley6]

I am definitely due for valve adjustment, but I'd like to see the engine run before doing this. If it is lack of compression that is preventing it from starting (even warm), would wd-40 into the intake during cranking allow for a start (and get the air out of the lines in doing so)?

[oldsinner111]

I used a propane torch unlight to spray propane into intake,when my glowplug controller went bad.
Since then I bought the updated version,and always buy Bosch Duratherms before winter.
Alwats check fuel lines coming from tank and use German hose clamps.Make sure line won't move on filter,steel lines.They can look tight,but air seeps in.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by bradley6

The glow plugs are now working well, but with no start at any temperature.

I'm intrigued but alarmed by your mention of 'scum' on the intake manifold. Like scale? As in bits of ferrous metal? It seems like that would do some damage. Could you elaborate?

If you have an EGR on your Engine the intake gets a sticky carbony oily scum inside. If you heated with a Torch long enough for it to burn or dry; it might flake off. And, being inside of the intake manifold it could get sucked in.
If you are thinking where would the Oily part come from; remember you Crankcase Breather Hose goes into the Air Filter and the vapor gets sucked in along with the air. This Oil ends up coating your intake Manifold.

[bradley6]

And how would I go about clearing it out, if this is the case?

Thanks!