8 replies to this topic

[Quartermaster]

My 1997 Ducati 900SS wouldn't start in January. Not exactly astonishing news I hear you say. However, after much testing and cleaning and recharging of a new battery, I came to the conclusion that the starter motor was on the way out. I worked out that with labour and purchase of a new starter I was going to be shelling out around £500 to get the problem sorted. In a last ditch attempt to protect the QM wallet I invested £3.90 in some Holts Cold Start and gave it a shot in the airbox more in hope than expectation. In fact the wanton Italian temptress fired up instantly and settled into a steady tickover. Once warmed it started every time without the Holts and has thus saved me around £496! I was so pleased I videoed it rattling away on the drive (the dry clutch noise is ) and played it back several times during the day to prove I hadn't been dreaming dreaming. 

 

So Holts Cold Start - Good stuff! Recommended.

[leehenty]

Engines tend to develop an appetite for the stuff.

[Quartermaster]

Engines tend to develop an appetite for the stuff.

 

So I've heard, but at least it got the thing running and I've not need to use it since. I wonder if one of the starter brushes was stuck?

[drewpy]

I used to use it on the diesel when I changed the fuel filter.

 

rattles like hell but gets the pump going and prime the fuel rails

[mh1848]

many years ago we used to have some of the diesels in the delivery fleet that would not start without it after becoming addicted - but had to like QM above to use it to sart the TDM after a long lay off and work on carbs and timing

[Oafski]

Edited by Oafski, 29 November 2019 - 06:50 pm.

[leehenty]

[Catteeclan]

Use brake cleaner now on the modern diesel, proper stuff seems too harsh and stops the starter dead.

[leehenty]

I have heard of ether in modern diesels going bang too much and bending conrod eyes and such. Modern DI diesels don't have precombustion chambers now so nowere for it to go.