Cranks but will not start

Tiny
TERI6684
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 NISSAN VANETTE
  • 2.3L
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 106,000 MILES
This is my first time to own a vehicle and it has a diesel engine. I recently purchased this vehicle used, it has been ideal for about seven months. The previous owner of the vehicle said it was electrical problems. Got a friend auto electrician who checked, all electrical wiring's intact just replaced a few fuse and the van started/cranks but will not start unless I spray Aerostart in the air filter. Not sure how to isolate the problem.
Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 AT 11:33 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
The usual reason for a diesel to not start without some starting fluid is that the glow plugs/pre-heaters or the controller for them are not working. I cannot find any good pictures of that engine or a manual with a wiring diagram to tell you where to look but I would bet that is the issue. Especially if you crank it over and get white smoke out of the exhaust.

Nissan sold the same design of van in the US back between 1987 and around 1991. They had so many issues with it overheating and catching on fire, due to the much larger gas engine fitted for the US market, that they recalled and crushed all of them.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 12:57 AM
Tiny
TERI6684
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  • 4 POSTS
Thanks Steve W, will have a mechanic look at it. Also, when the van starts with the help of Aerostart the smoke coming out of the exhaust is dirty-black smoke.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 1:21 AM
Tiny
TERI6684
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  • 4 POSTS
I also noticed that when trying to start the engine it takes a while for the glow plug to light up.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 1:32 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
The black smoke is common when starting on spray. It is because the fuel does not burn all the way until the combustion chamber gets hot. It can take a while for the glow plugs to heat up. I am thinking that the timer may be okay, but the actual glow plugs are not working. It is a pretty common failure with some engines.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 2:58 AM
Tiny
TERI6684
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you so much Steve W, will have the glow plugs checked
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 4:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,141 POSTS
Please let us know happens so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Sunday, February 26th, 2017 AT 11:48 AM

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