Landrover turns over but won't start!

Went overseas for 2 months, before I went I disconnected the battery.
Got back, it's cold as fck. Went to start it up, the engine seemed to start for a split second, then cut out.
Ever since then it just turns over on starting but doesn't fire up.
I'm sure the battery is charged (12.3 volts on the multi) given it's turning the engine over, but since it's not firing (even now it's a bit warmer) I'm suspecting something a bit more mechanical like a fuel pump.

Any of the gurus got any thoughts?
This is a Defender 300, the battery is about 3 yrs old and the defender is about twenty years old.

Randometer said:

Went overseas for 2 months, before I went I disconnected the battery.
Got back, it's cold as fck. Went to start it up, the engine seemed to start for a split second, then cut out.
Ever since then it just turns over on starting but doesn't fire up.
I'm sure the battery is charged (12.3 volts on the multi) given it's turning the engine over, but since it's not firing (even now it's a bit warmer) I'm suspecting something a bit more mechanical like a fuel pump.

Any of the gurus got any thoughts?
This is a Defender 300, the battery is about 3 yrs old and the defender is about twenty years old.

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The engine is going to take a while to warm up, as it only has the air to absorb heat from, and air isn't a very good conductor.

I suggest putting the battery on charge overnight, and giving it another spin over in the morning.

If there is any water in the fuel in your fuel system, it will have frozen the last few days, but will unfreeze in the morning. It would be a good idea to drain some fuel off from any drain points, and look at the fuel to se if there is any water.
In addition, if you have been away for two months, it is likely that most, or all, of the diesel in the tank is summer diesel, so you may have some diesel waxing as well. It might clear when the temperature is higher, or you may need to change the fuel filter element.

Glow plugs not working may be an issue but with a good battery 300's usually start after a bit of spinning.
More likely fuel drain back over the time it has stood. Crack open a bleed on the filter and operate lift pump until fuel runs out free of bubbles.

I'm no expert but by your description........it mite be broke

tottot said:

Glow plugs not working may be an issue but with a good battery 300's usually start after a bit of spinning.
More likely fuel drain back over the time it has stood. Crack open a bleed on the filter and operate lift pump until fuel runs out free of bubbles.

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So, run the starter with filter tap open?

No, open the pipe connection [ banjo bolt ] on top of the fuel filter a couple of turns. Look down the right side of engine and find the lift pump [ Follow fuel pipe] Under the pump there is a little lever, work this lever up and down until fuel flows out free of bubbles at the filter.

Stop solenoid stuck shut.

Al2O3 said:

Stop solenoid stuck shut.

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Tap tap to unstick it? Where is this elusive thing?

Randometer said:

Tap tap to unstick it? Where is this elusive thing?

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On the back of your fuel injection pump. There's a small black wire going to it with a spade connector fitting. Tricky to see, easier to follow the wire.

Al2O3 said:

On the back of your fuel injection pump. There's a small black wire going to it with a spade connector fitting. Tricky to see, easier to follow the wire.

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If it's stuck shut is it easy to fix or do I need to replace?

12.3 volts is getting close to shagged, give it a charge over night and try again.

Randometer said:

If it's stuck shut is it easy to fix or do I need to replace?

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As has been said I'd check the battery is fully charged first. You could check the connection to the stop solenoid is good electrically and check you're getting 12v from the cable. If so crack a fuel pipe joint to an injector, turn it a couple of times and see if there is any fuel visible. I think you can unscrew the plunger on the stop solenoid, but I've never needed to do it.

Warmed up here in Lanark, now +11.1 degrees - if something was frozen up the other day, it should be clear today...

Did you get it going, what was the issue?

Ok, tried the battery charging which hasn't had an effect unfortunately. Tomorrow is the turn of the solenoid. If anyone has pictures, it would be much appreciated.

Randometer said:

Ok, tried the battery charging which hasn't had an effect unfortunately. Tomorrow is the turn of the solenoid. If anyone has pictures, it would be much appreciated.

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What voltage did you get after charging, and no load?

Randometer said:

Ok, tried the battery charging which hasn't had an effect unfortunately. Tomorrow is the turn of the solenoid. If anyone has pictures, it would be much appreciated.

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I haven't watched these, but they should help a lot.

Turboman said:

What voltage did you get after charging, and no load?

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13.5 volts

Randometer said:

13.5 volts

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That must be straight off the charger. Let it settle down, and test again.
If it is less than about 12.5 volts, you need a new battery.

Maybe my multimeter is phucked? But that was one day after the charging!