Citroen DS23ie 1974- engine not starting when warm

Hi Warren,

wet spark plugs indicate a problem with ignition. If it was only 1 or 2 cylinders it could also be leaking injectors. But if engine wont start at all, all4 should leak,

Hi Warren,
fine you already tested the fuel-pump-problem.
If you had written before the spark plugs are dark and wet, I wouldn't have suspected this problem.
As Volker wrote: ignition or injectors are my favorites, too
You told us you replaced them 2 years ago. By original Bosch injectors or another brand?
Please check the fuel pressure. It has to stay almost constant after you turned off the engine. Maybe leaky injectors o cold start valve flood the engine when you turn it off.

The 1-2-3 isn't fault-free. I think you or your Bosch service have to check the ignition in the faulty condition using an oscilloscope in the case the fuel pressure is o.k.

Regards

DS23ie wrote: ....
The spark plugs are wet and a bit black when the engine cranks
...
After a run with engine hot; switch off; wait one minute- it will crank but not start. Let it cool down for 2-3 hours and it starts fine
A strange intermittent problem. Any other suggestions?
Thanks
Warren

Hi Warren,

do you have an second fan for cooling? Is it still running after shut down?

Try the following: press the accelerator of full and hold this position, before and until you crank/start. After 10 - 20 s the engine will run.
Had the same Problem last Summer, when we have here more than 35 degrees.

If it doesn't work, better use the boat ...

Best regards
Hans

Great suggestions, thank you
I will re-check fuel pressure and swap back the original Bosch distributor instead of the 123
Injectors are correct Bosch replacements and have worked fine for 2 years
Electric second fan is powered off the ignition coil so only works with engine running. Maybe in short term I'll leave ignition on to keep it running
And if none of these work- I'll use the boat!

DS23ie wrote: ...Maybe in short term I'll leave ignition on to keep it running
...

Don't do this... this kills the coil and / or the 1-2-3.

Regards
Norbert

Hi Norbert,

he wants to keep the car running - that will not destroy ignition coil or distributor. That's what they are made for. And even letting ignition on while not running the engine should disconnect ignition coil.