Flat starter battery on the van

It's not a battery issue Kev, the battery gave you several attempts at starting and still kept turning the engine over and as you can see from your battery monitor the battery stayed above 11v during cranking which is acceptable. The fact it semi started briefly and then died and then started up later on with lots of black smoke would seem to me that it's fuel related but I'm no mechanic.
Isn't there a crank sensor that activates the fuel pump? If so could it be that?
Surely the fact that it's sat idle for a couple of months or so has got something to do with it? Could the fuel have drained back while it was standing and hence needed a load of cranking to get the fuel back up to the injectors.or high pressure pump? How does the fuel get to the high pressure pump? Electric pump? If so could it be that??
 
I'm just reporting what happened. I also suspect a possible fueling issue, except for the black smoke when it did start, which was unburned fuel, I think.
 
I asked Google:-


Can the fuel drain back on a 2007 2.2 100 multijet fiat ducato engine?


Yes, the fuel can drain back on a 2007 2.2 100 Multijet Fiat Ducato engine, and it is a known issue that causes hard starting, especially after the vehicle has been sitting for a while
. This happens when air enters the fuel system, allowing the diesel to return to the fuel tank. When you try to start the engine, the fuel pump must draw the fuel all the way back up the lines before it can start.

Common causes of fuel drain back
  • Leaking injector spill (return) lines: These are small, braided rubber pipes connecting the injectors. Over time, they can become hard and brittle, developing tiny, hard-to-see cracks. Air can be drawn in here without a noticeable fuel leak.
  • Faulty fuel filter or housing:
    • Bad seals: After a fuel filter replacement, a seal that isn't seated correctly or was overtightened can cause an air leak.
    • Faulty thermostatic T-piece: A component on top of the fuel filter can fail, allowing fuel to drain back.
  • Leaky fuel pump: Internal one-way check valves in the fuel pump can fail, allowing fuel to drain back into the tank.
  • Worn or damaged fuel lines: Any crack or loose connection in the fuel lines can allow air to get in, especially in the low-pressure fuel feed line from the tank.
  • Fuel pressure loss: More serious issues, like leaking injectors, can also cause a drop in fuel pressure and lead to a drain-back effect.

Symptoms to look for
  • Hard starting: The engine takes a long time to crank before it catches and runs, particularly after being parked overnight or for an extended period.
  • Engine stalling: The engine may start but then cut out shortly after ignition.
  • Needing to re-prime: You frequently have to use the hand primer bulb (if fitted) to get the engine started.
  • Engine runs rough when cold: Rough idling or hesitation when the engine is first started is a common sign of a fuel supply problem caused by air in the system.

How to diagnose and fix the problem
  1. Check the fuel filter: Inspect the housing and all connections for any signs of dampness or loose clamps. Ensure the water drain tap at the bottom is tight.
  2. Inspect the injector leak-off pipes: Visually examine the small return lines on top of the injectors for any signs of cracking or perishing. They can often be replaced easily and cheaply.
  3. Use a see-through fuel pipe: For a more certain diagnosis, fit a clear section of fuel line near the filter or pump. A transparent pipe will allow you to see air bubbles coming through the fuel, confirming an air leak.
  4. Consider an inline check valve: If the problem is persistent, some owners have success fitting an additional one-way check valve in the fuel line just before the filter to prevent the fuel from draining back.
 
I suspect the draining back issue due to it being particularly bad after standing for 3 months. I bet it starts OK today?
This is an old thread Kev so you're probably best to start a new thread and see what the spanner wranglers suggest.
Include just the pertinent info.
Stood since early June.
Cranked but wouldn't fire.
Cranked some more started limping on one cylinder.
Finally fired on more than one cylinder and then ran but smokey.
Include what's happening today? and maybe include the slight issues you had while away in France earlier this year.
 
May be worth checking air filter isn't full of leaves or anything although if it's cleared with the run that should be ok. If its easy to get at I would check if it were me though
 
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