Hi Neil
Highly likely to be the glow plugs. Mine used to start brilliantly, then about 100000km, it started to take about 20 seconds turning to start. At the service which was due, the swapped all the glow plugs. I tested them when I got home, and found none working! There are two tests - either check the resistance with a meter - should be very low!! only a few ohms. Or take them out and connect direct to a 12v battery - they should get hot and glow almost immediately.
If they are working, it's probably worth checking the glow plug system - when the key goes to the on position, dashboard warning light goes on and heaters should start working - you should be able to measure a voltage at the plug with a meter. The heaters should stay on until a thermal switch says the engine is hot enough (which is when the light goes out) and then for about 10 seconds longer.
My bet is the glow plugs. Cost low (not sure exactly as I'm in Zim).
Cheers! Graham Carter Harare Zimbabwe
I've had my 1995 Disco 2.5TDI auto now for 4 years with 85'000 miles and
> over the past month I've been having starting problems,i have changed the
> battery but that does not seem to cure it, is it the glow plugs that want
> changing because it used to normally starts when I warm them up a couple of
> times.
> Any info much appreciated and possible costs
> Cheers
> Neil
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