1996 300tdi Disco. 190,000 miles. Always guaranteed to start first time but its suddenly started struggling. It fires for a second on first turn then nothing. Crank the engine for some ten seconds and then it will slowly burst in to life and all is well. Only seems to do it on a morning cold start... thereafter its fine for the day.
The one thing I've noticed is that the lift pump attached to the block has a completely loose hand lever with no resistance or pumping when engine stopped. Have tried various engine postions in case it had disengaged but still no resistance at all on this hand lever. Could it be a failed lift pump ? Apart from that there is nothing obvious.
Any help or ideas well appreciated - thankyou.
The one thing I've noticed is that the lift pump attached to the block has a completely loose hand lever with no resistance or pumping when engine stopped. Have tried various engine postions in case it had disengaged but still no resistance at all on this hand lever. Could it be a failed lift pump ? Apart from that there is nothing obvious.
Any help or ideas well appreciated - thankyou.