cranks but will not start

2006 NISSAN VANETTE
106,000 MILES • 2.3L • 2WD • MANUAL
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TERI6684
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this is my first time to own a vehicle and it has a diesel engine. i recently purchased this vehicle used, it has been ideal for about seven months. The previous owner of the vehicle said it was electrical problems. got a friend auto electrician who checked, all electrical wiring's intact just replaced a few fuse and the van started/cranks but will not start unless i spray Aerostart in the air filter. not sure how to isolate the problem.
Feb 21, 2017 at 11:33 PM
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STEVE W.
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The usual reason for a diesel to not start without some starting fluid is that the glow plugs/pre-heaters or the controller for them are not working. I cannot find any good pictures of that engine or a manual with a wiring diagram to tell you where to look but I would bet that is the issue. Especially if you crank it over and get white smoke out of the exhaust.

Nissan sold the same design of van in the US back between 1987 and around 1991. They had so many issues with it overheating and catching on fire, due to the much larger gas engine fitted for the US market, that they recalled and crushed all of them.
Feb 22, 2017 at 12:57 AM
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TERI6684
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thanks Steve W, will have a mechanic look at it. also, when the van starts with the help of Aerostart the smoke coming out of the exhaust is dirty-black smoke.
Feb 22, 2017 at 1:21 AM
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TERI6684
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i also noticed that when trying to start the engine it takes a while for the glow plug to light up.
Feb 22, 2017 at 1:32 AM
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STEVE W.
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The black smoke is common when starting on spray. It is because the fuel does not burn all the way until the combustion chamber gets hot. It can take a while for the glow plugs to heat up. I am thinking that the timer may be okay, but the actual glow plugs are not working. It is a pretty common failure with some engines.
Feb 22, 2017 at 2:58 AM
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TERI6684
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thank you so much Steve W, will have the glow plugs checked
Feb 22, 2017 at 4:21 PM
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STRAILER
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Please let us know happens so it will help others.

Best, Ken
Feb 26, 2017 at 11:48 AM