Slight starting issue on my 300tdi

Hey guys,

Having intermittent issues with starting my Disco 1 300tdi. The battery is fine (2 months old) cranking is fast and perfect, but it doesn't always fire.

Once running, she's perfect and doesn't miss a beat.

I wait for the glowplug light to go out before cranking, but that doesn't always mean that it'll start. She seems to start slightly better with the throttle half down as well.

99% of the time, on the 2nd attempt at starting, she'll fire up and everything is fine.

Anyone know the cause of what this could be? I've done a fairly recent full service on everything, but I have yet to change glow plugs. However, as I said, once she's running everything is spot on, so I'm wondering if this issue could be glow plugs or not?

Any help appreciated

Doesn't bother me too much really, just a trait that I've found!

Probably glow plugs. First attempt warms the engine a bit, second attempt fires. Fairly easy to check.

Either glow plugs or slightly sticky stop solonoid either are easy to change

Shouldn't need glow plugs this time of year. Mine starts up on the button without waiting for the light to go off in the morning this time of year. If it starts fine second attempt, it could be a fuel issue, ie, choked filter, gauze filter if Delphi lift pump fitted, or even an immobiliser issue. Can't see it being glow plugs, to be honest.

Yes, 200 tdi, sticky stop solonoid possible.

Cool, thanks for the replies.

Steviecops said:

Shouldn't need glow plugs this time of year. Mine starts up on the button without waiting for the light to go off in the morning this time of year. If it starts fine second attempt, it could be a fuel issue, ie, choked filter, gauze filter if Delphi lift pump fitted, or even an immobiliser issue. Can't see it being glow plugs, to be honest.

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Hm, that was what I was wondering as well.

Choked filter - which one? Fuel filter? Was replaced with brand new item 2 months ago.

Gauze filter - what is this?

Sticky stop solonoid - again, what is this? Mine is a '95 300tdi.

Immobiliser - I'm 99% sure its not related. Sometimes it does start on 1st attempt. Also I can hear it almost cough into running, then sometimes doesn't quite do it.

Sorry in advance for possible newb questions. I'm still fairly new to Land Rover ownership.

Try not touching the throttle when starting.

Spyder playing up, mine did till I fitted a remote switch in line with fuel solenoidfor those occasions when it balls up

Foot hard down to start it, could be leak off pipes need replacing

Mine starts first time unless I touch the accelerator then it will need to turn over for about 10 seconds before it fires.

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the replies! I've been away from keyboard for the past few days hence my delayed reply!

Haven't driven the car since I posted this, but tonight I took it for a drive and...

Brian S said:

Try not touching the throttle when starting.

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Worked both times! I guess its somewhat a habit of mine to touch the throttle just a little bit in all cars to aid starting, but it was either fluke or it actually worked. Nice

I will see how things go

My pleasure. As I say, when I did touch the throttle once before it was a pig to start but since leaving it alone it's on the first turn.