Questions and Answers

Ford Galaxy Diesel Cold Start Noises Q. Hi, I have a 2001 Ford Galaxy 1.9 tdi with 92,000 miles on the clock. I recently found, in the cold mornings, when starting her up we have a thump or lumpy engine for about a few minutes then goes. Drives well all day but come to the morning and this noise is back. I recently done a service on it i.e. oil filter, air filter and the diesel filter change and the noise was there before doing the service.

Please can you be able to throw any light as to what this noise could be? It currently uses 5/30 oil recommended by the dealer but have been told to change it to 15/40, thanks for any information you can advise at this time.

Jason

A. It is almost impossible, as you can imagine, for me to diagnose a noise in this venue. I do know that diesel engines, in general, will run rough when started in cold weather. This is because the engine relies on heat to ignite the fuel and the engine is not very hot when first started on a cold morning.

I don't know if I would go with the 5W30 oil, it seems a little light for a diesel, but if Ford says it's okay, then go with it. In my diesel I use a 10W30 in the winter and a 15W40 in the summer. This seems to work out good for me. You might also want to consider an engine heater of some sort.

I'm not sure how cold it get's in your part of the world, but here in the upper midwest of the United States, it can get down to -20°F, -30°F even -40°F zero. My Mercedes Benz diesel with 235,000 miles does not like it that cold. Who does? That's why I have an engine block and oil pan heater installed on mine. It keeps the engine warm on the coldest night and I don't have to worry about use a thinner oil to help facilitate cold morning starts.