Volvo D2 slight misfire at startup?

Jun 14, 2017 4 Replies

Missus has a Volvo V40 with (I think) the 1.6 D2 engine. When starting, and until it's warmed up, it's a bit lumpy, and I'm guessing that it isn't running on all cylinders. If it was a petrol engine, I'd assume that the HT leads had got damp in the recent weather, but I'm not used to diesels, and can't think of anything similar to look at. Do they all do it? I don't think it's much of a problem, but you never know...


If it has spill pipes (pretty sure it will have) they could be leaking air back into the system, this can give a lumpy running till the air clears. Vectras used to be well known for this. check the spill pipes and if they look less than perfect or have damp patches then just replace them all.

Is that the same thing as a 'leak-off' pipe? Diesel is going to be a bit of a new adventure for me :-)

that is another name, little rubber pipes that lead from each injector back into the fuel system

On a Vectra, if any of these spill pipes leak air inwards when the engine is not running, the whole system back beyond the fuel filter can fill with air, then the engine won't start until it's cranked enough to suck fuel from the tank to the injector pump - which can take several minutes of cranking! And risks damage to the injector pump because it is running dry.

It beats my why there isn't a lift pump beside the tank to overcome this.

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