2.4 tdci engine not starting after head gasket replacement

Good morning / afternoon all.

I have a major head ache with my defender!!! (Would you believe!)
I have recently had my head gasket replaced after it decided to pretend to be a steam train.

It does not start unless I have a bit of brake cleaner / easy start down the air intake. Then it takes like a duck to water. No knocking or any sign that it is out of timing.

Already checked:
- Fuel to injectors
- Connectors all seem to be in order
- No fault codes
- Fuel pressure seems to be fine. 250 bar

- New glow plugs installed when head gasket was replaced.

I am unable to do a compression test yet, as I don't have a spare gasket for the intake.

Any suggestions would be more than welcome.
Thanks in advance.

On the basis that it runs with easy start, it suggests a fuelling problem. Only thing I can think of - were the injectors removed and not replaced in their original locations? (Injectors are individually numbered and need to be coded into the ECU. Although it should run with uncoded injectors, just not well). Or has the wiring harness to the injectors been disturbed? Plug loose at the ECU?

Thanks for your reply.

It does run, and it runs really well. Its just the starting that is the issue. My diag unit only codes the injectors. It wont read the data for some reason. So I might just try and recode them.

Instagram Video of it starting - Link

Just to bounce an idea around. The mechanic said that when he replaced my clutch (a few years ago) he broke the crankshaft sensor bracket. Then when he replaced the headgasket he has disturbed the sensor when disconnecting the loom.
Could this be an issue?

One injector leaking back excessively, so hpfp cannot build needed pressure to start the thing.

Wizza said:

Thanks for your reply.

It does run, and it runs really well. Its just the starting that is the issue. My diag unit only codes the injectors. It wont read the data for some reason. So I might just try and recode them.

Instagram Video of it starting - Link

Just to bounce an idea around. The mechanic said that when he replaced my clutch (a few years ago) he broke the crankshaft sensor bracket. Then when he replaced the headgasket he has disturbed the sensor when disconnecting the loom.
Could this be an issue?

Click to expand...

If it runs okay once started then that would suggest the cps is just fine.

Thank you @lynall. I took a punt and brought a new crankshaft sensor. Went to fit it and it seems like someone let the apprentice over tighten it!

It is going to be a fiddly job to get it back in!