Hello, I have a problem with a Ford Focus TDCI Duratorq engine. It won't start when it's cold. The glow plugs are fine, so that's not the issue. It's not an air leak either, because I connected a jerrycan of diesel fuel, bypassing the tank and filter, and then used a primer pump to force the fuel in. It still does the same thing. It's hard to start, and after a couple of hours, when it finally starts, it's obviously flooded from the excess diesel used in the starting attempts. I rev it, it clears itself, I turn it off, and then it starts right away, so it's not a compression problem either. Could it be the injectors? When the ignition is on, when I force the fuel with the 12V primer pump, it doesn't circulate. Is that normal? Once it starts or is cranking, it does circulate. There are no stored fault codes.

This is a strange fault.

It shouldn't be possible to flood this engine by failing to start.  The injectors are electronic, they simply don't fire until there's enough RPM and enough fuel pressure to ensure a start.  The cylinders should remain dry until that point.  Why do you say the glowplugs are fine?  If fuel is getting into the cylinder but not igniting then they would be the prime suspect. 

I also wouldn't rule out a compression issue.  The piston rings might be worn and only creating compression after they get soaked in oil from below...or possibly the raw diesel from above.

Fuel won't pass the injectors until they start firing, so it is correct that you won't see any leak-off happening with just ignition on.  And the fact that you are getting leak-off when cranking suggests that the engine is firing the injectors at that point.

If you're sure the glowplugs are good then I think the next step would be sending the injectors away to be tested on a proper test rig.  But I'm really not convinced they're the issue here.  Even if one was stuck open and dribbling into the cylinder, it should still start on 3 easily enough.

The glowplugs may be fine (have you just checked resistance and what was it for each?)  but is the relay or module actually applying current (measure with clamp meter?) to them, when does the glow plug light come on?
Any bubbles in the fuel line i.e. is there an ongoing air leak?
What are the demanded and actual rail pressures?
What is the history i.e. any work done, did it just start (or not!) during the recent cold snap, has the filter been changed, when was it last changed, could there be a problem with the filter seals on this model, will it start reliably with Easy Start, once going (with some heat in the block), does it start OK for the rest of the day (looking for clues)
I know some of these may be obviated by your jerry can test but you can't use that daily.

Hi everyone, I wanted to let you know... I'm currently testing it with a jerrycan, without the fuel filter, so I've ruled out air leaks, a dirty filter, etc. The glow plugs are new, and they activate for several seconds when the ignition is on! Today, while inspecting the engine, I found the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) to be quite damaged. Tomorrow I'll see if I can replace it and test it.