I have this bus everytime I try and start it I have a hard time I do not touch the pedal just turn it over and it will start but then stall with a big white puff of smoke once it warms up it runs fine no smoke any ideas what i can do to make it start easier.
Thanks

What year,make, model and engine Mike?

Do you use an engine block heater? Or does it have a heated air induction setup on pre-ignition? Now that the weather is turning colder, you may begin to experience problems starting. Usually solved bythe use of one of the above systems as well as an anti-gel agent in the fuel system.

91

Mike, I believe this engine has glow plugs, are u letting them warm up before u try starting the engine, usually 10 secs or so.

I think you're right on the glow plugs on that motor Dave.

I do not touch anything except turn the key wait for light to go out and then start it will rumble for a bit then die out and its hard to start again like its getting flooded but i didnt give it any fuel then after 10 trys battery almost dead it will start.

Lot of complaints on that problem here: http://www.dieseldoctor.com/messageboard/data/225.html

pumping the peddle once then

because it sounds more like fuel starvation

deisels are designed to compress the fuel
which causes it to heat up and then combustion
happens.

so the long cranking shows that it needs multiple
times of cranking before there is enough compression
to cause ignition. just my thoughts

Deisel fuel takes 650 deg. to fire, thats the reason for the preheaters. Usually takes a lot of cranking to get them cylinder temps up to 650. Sounds like u have a preheater problem.

Raven you are correct might be the fuel pump I went for my DOT inspection and he told me whats happening these motors are known for it the fuel leaks back to the tank when not operating leaves just a hint in there to get it started then when that burns it stalls so you have to get more up from the fuel tank and it takes some cranking so now I pump it right when it turns over and I can get it started quick when its warmed up it runs like a champ,

i used to own this magnetic engine heater
that was heated by electricity

a bit of a nuisance to attach the thing at night
but early in the morning you'd just plug it in

and go about your business ....until you were ready
to go... then you could yank it off until the next coldest
day of the year scenario....

it would heat up your engines oil previous to starting it.
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One dark night in the tennessee Blue mountains, i was driving along
and totally lost power in my deisel car... no lights period.

i pulled over and checked things out by flashlight
realizing i had a dead battery and the battery ground strap
where it bolts to the engine had come loose.

so i'm sitting there all pissed off out in the middle of bear country
you could smell the bear crap .... wicked...

then it hit me... :think: i don't need no stinking electricity :)
to start this pig (luckily it was a standard shift) all i needed was the HEAT
to get it to run.......this is a deisel ......i reasoned !!!

so down the road i pushed it,,,,hopped in, popped the clutch
and went putting along real slow with NO LIGHTS at all
but she ran fine.... and never forgot about how important heat
is for a deisel motor....:btu: