Hi Techmanagain

I take your point and will try the disconnection test to see the difference it makes. Then I will eat humble pie as thinking about it just because typically I turn the key without waiting for the glow plug light does not mean there is no contribution to starting from the glow plugs.

Regards

XMexc

I tried two things this morning, First I primed the pump to ensure that there was no air in the system, there wasn't and it made no difference.

Second I got someone to switch the ignition on while I held the relay. I could hear / feel the distinctive click when the ignition was switched on and off. I also checked the wiring to the relay and it is fine. I am assuming from this that the relay seems okay.

I then started the car and rathere than keep revving it up and pumping blue grey smoke out, I let it idle quietly for 10 minutes. I then revved it up, and no smoke, and it seemed fine. I switched it off and restarted it several times and it started instantly with no smoke.

Does this sound more like glow plugs now?

Hi Jackyboy

Yes, sounds like glow plugs. Techmanagain will be pleased. Before you plough in to change individual glow plugs I think they are wired as two pairs of two each running off its own part of the glow plug relay. So unlike a simpler 2.1 relay you have not totally given the relay a clean bill of health. Changing the relay is easier than changing the individual glow plugs. See if you can check that 12 volts is going to each set of Glow plugs.

Regards

XMexc

Hi
Try Peters tip.When it is dark switch the interior light on,then turn the ignition on and you should see the light get dimmer,when the glowplug light goes out the interior light should get brighter.I had problems with mine on start up,but as I bought the car in May I didn't notice it until the colder months.One of the wires had come off the bottom of the relay and looked to have been off for a long time,so it is worth looking at as they cop the water coming through the grill.
Regards Rob

I've checked the wiring and the connections to the relay and they seem A1. Sorry to sound cheeky, but I don't suppose that anyone on here has a relay for this model that I could try before replacing glow plugs/ I am quite happy to pay something plus the postage costs and of course I would return the relay

Hi
I am sure xmexclusive will have one.Try the interior light test,when I did it on mine the light did not dim and when my brother checked it no power was getting to the glowplugs which is when I discover the detatched wire.
Regards Rob

Hi Jackyboy

If you PM me with contact details I will see if I can find a working relay.

Regards

XMexc

Hi everyone
Just for info regarding my 'Smokey on starting XM' I have fitted new glow plugs and it is fine. I neede to fit a new starter motor so did both jobs at once. One of my track rod ends was also knocking so I have replaced the pair. Unfortunately it hasn't stopped the knocking. It is certainly not as bad and not a definate metal to metal knock as before, where do I look next??????

Probably the anti roll bar drop links - common fault - easy to change.

Peter.N.

Hi Peter
I have checked the drop link bars and there is play in them. Tried to remove one but after a few turns of the nut the whole ball joint just keeps turning. Is this normal and do I resort to a hacksaw?

Thanks again for all your help.

Put a jack under the bottom and lift the suspension a bit, that should tighten it. Also scrw the nut back down if you can, give it a good wire brush and some oil.

Peter.

Hi Jackyboy

I think you will find that there are flats on the drop link ball joint (either 17 or 19mm) that allow you to hold with a spanner while you unscrew the nut.

Regards

XMexc