Northern 158 engine woes?

[pdq]

I've just seen two consecutive 158s with engine problems. First at Batley the delayed 0718 to Leeds had its front engine splutter out just before it set off - and it looks like it's lost time all the way to Leeds; then at Dewsbury the 0735 to Leeds had three failed attempts to start its rear engine.

I know this is just coincidence, but is there any reason for these engines to be more susceptible to stalling and/or having difficulty starting? Can they be started on the move like 185s or do they have to wait for stations?

 

[D6709]

The 185 engines cannot be started on the move, they only shutdown on the move to save on fuel with eco mode and to help reduce emissions

 

[BestWestern]

158's cannot start up whilst moving, the unit has to come to a stand first. It isn't that uncommon to have engine issues on the Sprinter fleets. Low fluid levels will cause either a complete engine shut down (engine oil if I recall correctly), or cause the engine to revert to idle (low hydrostatic oil or coolant). This happens to prevent damage to the engine. Another common issue is the 'local' engine stop button - the button located below the solebar by the engine itself - being stuck having been used previously, and so overriding any attempt to start. The issue of low fluids can sometimes manifest itself as the engine giving up whenever the train brakes, or even traverses pointwork, which causes the affected fluid to shift around and trigger the sensors. Hence you will occasionally find a troublesome engine restarting fine at every station stop before conking out again shortly afterwards. There are numerous other faults, both mechanical and electrical, which can crop up and cause issues. Bearing in mind the age of these trains and the relentless use they have to endure, they actually fair pretty well when you think about it!