C3 1.4Hdi Running Probs.

[TILTNTURN]

Partner has just got a 68hp 1.4HDi 2002 which seems to run poorly ie sligtly down on power and slightly jerky for a few miles  before its really warmed up then it seems to run ok .

Its covered a genuine 62k and has just been serviced but with no improvement . Has anyone had any similar issues and explanations or any ideas of what to look at first ? Cheers in advance .

[paul.h]

Did the service include air and fuel filter changes ?

 

Possibly the coolant temperature sensor is giving a wrong value so the fuel ratio is not correct but to check it would need live data using a code reader. Being a pre 2004 diesel you may find low cost code readers may not work on your car so if you have one or plan to buy one you need to check if it will work. Other things that work when the engine is warmed are the egr valve and lambda sensors.

[TILTNTURN]

Hi Paul for very lengthy delay in thanking you for reply but ended up in hosp getting an emergency triple bypass .

It turns out the fuel filter was not replaced during the service .

I have purchased a fuel filter  and intend doing that soon as at present I have lots of time on my hands .

Is this a fairly straight forwards job? Thanks Frank.

[paul.h]

Fuel filter renewal is covered in the Haynes manual and seems easy enough and if there are more than 2 pipes fastened to it you could take a photo first in case it is not obvious where they connect. The drained diesel should go to the local recycling centre, possibly along with waste engine oil.

 

According to the Haynes manual:

First step is to see if the drain pipe is connected underneath, then put a cup or something under and open the drain. If the 8 valve engine then a brake servo hose needs unfastening from the filter top. Clean the pipe connectors and push down their coloured tabs so the pipes can be pulled off, then plug their open ends using the plugs that come with the new filter so dirt can not enter them. The filter is held in place by a single screw, remove this, move the filter and disconnect any electrical connectors as it is removed. If there are a fuel heater and water detector on the filter remove these and fit to the new filter using new O-rings. Fit the new filter and if there is a hand priming pump, use this to fill the filter then start the engine and check for leaks. If the 16 valve engine, to get to the filter some air ducting needs removing and the air filter housing may need moving slightly so the filter can be removed. On the 16 valve engine the priming pump is under the engine cover.