Engine starting
Engine cranks but will not start
Establish cranking speed, whether smoke appears, the response to a starting-fluid diagnostic test only if the manufacturer permits it, and whether intake and exhaust are clear. These distinguish fuel, electronics, air/exhaust and mechanical causes.
Cranking speed
If cranking is slower than before the fault, first check the battery, grounds, cables, starter, mechanical resistance and additional hydraulic-pump load. The following checks assume roughly the previous normal speed.
No smoke
Check whether injection occurs: fuel and tank supply, filter and air ingress, lift pump, low pressure, Common Rail pressure, injector return leakage, fuel valve/regulator, RPM seen by the ECM, synchronization, injection permission and the fuel solenoid on older systems. Observe readings while cranking, not just with the ignition on.
Diagnostic starting-fluid test
If the engine design and manufacturer instructions permit it, a minimal amount can be used to compare the engine's response diagnostically.
It fires or starts with starting fluid
This strongly suggests the engine is mechanically capable of running. Investigate normal fuel supply and injection: low-pressure supply, high-pressure pump, Common Rail, valves/regulators, injector return leakage, injection permission and control. It does not automatically prove a faulty pump or injectors.
It does not respond to the test
With normal cranking speed, do not start by replacing fuel equipment. Check clear intake and exhaust, turbocharger, compression, valves, valve timing and mechanical engine condition.
Intake and exhaust
On the intake side check the air filter, hoses, flaps, turbo and obstruction. On the exhaust side check DPF, DOC, SCR catalyst, silencer, exhaust flaps, damaged pipes and the turbocharger turbine side. An almost blocked exhaust can prevent starting even with fuel supply and compression.
If there is smoke
At least some fuel reaches the cylinders. White/grey smoke points to ignition conditions: compression, atomization, synchronization, injection pressure and cold-start assistance. Dark smoke calls for additional checks of air, turbo and exhaust.
What you can observe
Cranking speed, smoke and its color, faults, fuel/leaks, intake, obvious exhaust restriction and service-menu RPM, fuel pressure, synchronization and start permission.
Related problems
Further service support
Have a fault code?
Problem still there?
If these checks have not identified the cause or the fault returns, contact TSV Servis. The more initial information you provide, the sooner we can identify the next diagnostic direction.
What to send us
Machine/engine model, S/N, operating hours, faults, smoke, cranking RPM, available fuel pressure, any response to a manufacturer-permitted starting-fluid diagnostic test and checks already carried out.
Include the make and model, S/N or a nameplate photo, engine model if known, operating hours, exact code or display photo and when the fault occurs.
Also tell us what you have already checked or replaced and the results. Include a photo or short video of the symptom where useful.
+420 722 307 850 · tsvcz@seznam.cz