RAV4 XT3 d4d 2006 bad cold starting!

[Neild4d]

Hi Folks, I wonder if someone could give me your thoughts..... I have a manual 2006 RAV4 XT3 d4d and over the past couple of months it's become worse and worse to start in the morning especially bad if a cold morning, takes around 5 attempts to start before catching with some white/blue smoke between the attempts. I've replaced the glow plugs yesterday and she starts slightly better but still takes several goes to catch. Once been driven she starts on the button for the rest of the day onwards just terrible in the morning! Any thoughts greatly appreciated in advance. 

 

[Heidfirst]

 2.0 or 2.2?

[Neild4d]

Sorry... It's a 2.2

[Devon Aygo]

If the car is cranking but not firing then after the glow plugs the most likely caused is a failed Suction control valve ( the cold weather thickens the fuel and the weak valve cant open/close as required ) there is a technical bulletin from Toyota ref:  EG-0132T-1110-EN which involves a modified valve (part # 04226-26030 ) and a software update to increase cold cranking fuel pressure for improved cold starting.

[Neild4d]

Thanks for the info greatly appreciated I'll look into it, out of interest she started better yesterday and was -4 in the morning. Aftert the glow plug symbol on the dash went out I waited 3 -4 seconds before firing the key and she started! I normally try to start her once the glow plug symbol has immediately gone out but still took 3 attempts. 

[MrBenjaminHDM]

@Devon Aygo do you happen to know what the increased cold crank pressure is? I have the valve you mentioned but not the software changes and my cold start this morning was very ropey.

[Devon Aygo]

The bulletin states:

Pre update pressure of upto 50bar

Post update of upto 100bar