306 D Turbo Starts on 3 Cylinders

What sort of plugs did you use to replace the ones you took out? If they were the cheapy own brand ones from Halfords, they're a false economy and it's possible one has failed already.

Got a multimeter? Check the continuity of the wiring going to the plugs, and the plugs themselves.

The priming bulb pumping thing does point to the fuel system. Check the rubber injector return hoses for leaks. When the engine is stopped, it could be allowing air to be drawn back into the fuel system.

Often on Peugeot Diesels of this generation there's a clear bit of fuel hose under the bonnet before it reaches the pump. If there's bubbles in that at all, air is getting in somewhere. Check the pipes that run under the car from the tank to the engine bay, if they're wet with fuel at all then there's a good chance one of them is leaking.

If there isn't a clear bit of hose, it's reasonably cheap and simple to fit a bit.

Hope that helps. If it doesn't, it might eliminate a couple of things.

Douglas

Double check the glow plugs, take them out and make sure they actually glow. Assuming they are ok then check for leaking spill pipes that let air back in (common on Vauxhalls) replace if in any doubt.

mrcheerful

Thanks both, very useful information.

I do have a mutlit meter and can also test the glow plugs actually glow. Can this be done on any 12v car batter, I assume it can although is likely to drain it pretty quickly.

I will check all pipework for signs of a leek, but pretty sure there is no clear hose anywhere. Haynes just says to open the little valve at the bottom of the fuel filter and prime until there are no air bubbles. When no more bubbles flw out, close the valve and carry on priming until resistence is felt on the bulb... couple more squezzes for good luck and the job is done.

One of the plugs was from Pugeot dealer and the other 3 were from an car spares place near where I live. Could be a little bit budget, but the car was still starting on 3 cylinders right after replacing.

Cheers, Adam

If it starts ok every time after priming then it's a fuel problem, not glow plugs. It's worth trying a non-return valve on the fuel inlet to the pump. Available at any diesel repair shop and fairly cheap.

John