[Greg336]

I'm having starting issues, when cold it starts every time. If I drive someplace, turn it off and then go back to it to leave, this is when it won't start. This is happing about 50% of the time for the restart. I can crank and crank, and never fires, finally, I had a friend suggest trying starting fluid. That helped me to get it started. My question is what caused it not to restart in the first place? This has been happening more and more lately. I'm now carrying starting fluid with me in the vehicle just in case.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Greg336]

ignore this part of the reply, I'm still looking for answers.

 

[jwight]

Have you tried asking on Club Smart Car where all the Cdi owners hang out?

 

[Miss Mercedes]

I would limit the use of starting fluid as much as you can. Starting fluid (or ether) causes an uncontrolled explosion in the engine and can hurt you in the long run.

A diesel engine that only starts on starting fluid when hot sounds like a compression issue to me. You should be looking at about 365 psi give or take a few points.

 

[Greg336]

Have you tried asking on Club Smart Car where all the Cdi owners hang out?

No, I haven't, this is the first place I thought to ask.