Yet another TD4 that dosent like starting

So, I have 2001 manual TD4 with about 123,000 miles on it. As it was getting more and more difficult to start, especially when warm, I changed the low pressure fuel pump in the tank and the fuel filter. It was great for a couple of weeks but now it is worse than before. If it is cold it might start, if your lucky and you stick your tongue out at the right angle.

I have removed the inlet manifold to clean it out, was really dirty. Will blanking the EGR make any difference to the starting?

When it does start it runs really well, no smoke and plenty of oomph.
What parts/sensors can I check instead of just replacing?

have you changed the filters and even had a look in the tank at the pump in there and there is a filter on the end of that one which can get blocked

Have changed the fuel filter, what I cant understand is how well it runs when it does start.

cam sensor or injectors - does it start with easy start ?

Not tried the easy start yet, have got the inlet manifold off giving it a clean, is really filthy. Will give it a go tomorrow.

Is there any way to test the cam sensor?

As mjrimmer said not long ago , use freeze spray on it and see if starts !

Will give it a try and let you know how I get on.

I had this before, with my 2001 td4. You should have 2 low pressure pumps, one in the tanks and one on the passenger side inner wing.

When its warm turn the igntion on but don't start it. You will hear the fuel pumps(s) running. Leave it on for around 20 seconds, then turn it off.

repeat this about 8 times.

see if it starts.

If you have a week low pressure fuel pump, this process builds up pressure in the fuels system and help the car to start. If you only change the intank pump, try the other one.

When mine did this it was fine cold and became more frequent not starting when warm, until one day, in rush hour, in the centre of Leicester the damn thing cut out and refused to start at all.

Ended up with new Low Pressure fuel pumps.

123,000 miles.....its been no where....I got 237,000 on my 2001 TD4 Auto!!!

Optimus Prime said:

cam sensor or injectors - does it start with easy start ?

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+1

Injector/s most likely. Do a leakback test. You'll probably find one or more are at fault.

Will have a go at the leak back test.
Thanks for the advice, will let you kmow how I get on.

Is the low pressure pump under the bonnet a weak point?

Bob1974 said:

Will have a go at the leak back test.
Thanks for the advice, will let you kmow how I get on.

Is the low pressure pump under the bonnet a weak point?

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Aye , if its not working properly

Bob1974 said:

Will have a go at the leak back test.
Thanks for the advice, will let you kmow how I get on.

Is the low pressure pump under the bonnet a weak point?

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The in tank pumps usually goes first leaving the under bonnet one to make up the slack on its own, eventually that dies too

I guess the same applies if the under bonnet one goes first.

After a leak off test it appears I have 1 leaky injector. Could only do it whilst cranking, got nowt from 3 but about 50ml out of 1.

Will try the easy start before I take the injector out, try and get it nice and warm. Thanks for the advice.

Vertuas said:

The in tank pumps usually goes first leaving the under bonnet one to make up the slack on its own, eventually that dies too

I guess the same applies if the under bonnet one goes first.

Click to expand...

When I was cranking it during the leak off test I had trouble blanking off the return pipe, seemed to be good pressure in the system.

Well, injector number 3 replaced and all is well. Was quite an easy job really.
Bought a refurb injector from Feather diesel, Elland . Great service and they are open from 6 in thr morning so popped in on the way to work.

From my own experience and from reading this forum it seems that a high percentage of non/poor starting TD4s are down to injectors. I have only ever replaced the one injector causing the problem and that's always been fine. I'm a cheap skate and have used used injectors from rover 75, FL and even a BMW 320d but I find that the part numbers have to match for the engine to run best, I.e not injectors from an auto mixed with manual ones.

Glad you got sorted