Another "TD5 won't start" thread...

[Filbee]

Sorry folks, I know there have been a few similar threads to this but I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong...
This weekend I've been busy replacing the fuel pump (VDO OEM unit) and filter + filter head (genuine LR). I put it all back together carefully and ran through the purge process, foot to the floor, cranked it and it didn't fire. So I tried again: ran the purge cycle, foot to floor, cranked for 10-20 seconds, no signs of life... I repeated this until the battery was almost flat. So I charged it up again and tried again this afternoon, except this time I ran the purge cycle a few times before cranking for 10-20 seconds. Still nothing. I left it for a couple of hours and this time I ran the purge cycle for a total of 10 times before I tried cranking the engine. I cranked it for another 10-20 seconds and still no signs of it firing up!
I put 28 litres back in the tank (I completely.emptied it), so there's plenty of fuel. I filled up the filter with diesel before tightening it up. The pump runs smoothly and the tone is pretty steady during each purge cycle. I can hear and feel the fuel pumping round through the filter, round the head and back through the fuel cooler and running back into the tank. It does seem to be gurgling a bit as it runs through the system. There are no signs of leaks any part of the fuel system.
Is there anything else I can do to get it running? Have I missed something? Should it take this long to get running?
I'm running out of ideas!

 

[jamesmartin]

have you changed air bleed valve,is it firing or trying to at all

 

[Filbee]

It's a brand new OEM filter head, so it will have a new bleed valve and non-return valve.
It's not firing at all. Just cranking over and over, not a sign of it even trying to catch...

 

[jamesmartin]

It's a brand new OEM filter head, so it will have a new bleed valve and non-return valve.
It's not firing at all. Just cranking over and over, not a sign of it even trying to catch...

check its in the right outlet, should be the outside one (nearest the tyre)of the rear 2 outlets,front 2 outlets the one nearest the chassis should have oneway ruber valve if fitted

 

[Filbee]

I assumed they managed to put them in the right way round when the unit left the factory but I guess I should have checked! I'll have a look tomorrow to make sure.

 

[Filbee]

I've been out this morning and checked the location of the air bleed valve...
You were right to be suspicious James, it was fitted to the union nearest the chassis (low pressure feed), not the outer one where it should be!
I've fitted the air bleed into the correct union and run through the purge cycle again six times, she's still not showing any signs of catching and firing up, just spinning on the starter. Battery back on charge now...
The swooshing and gurgling noises have gone, replaced by a steadier sound of fuel flowing through the lines.
The pump was noisier to start with, but has settled into a steady him, apart from the first couple of seconds when the pump switches on to continue it's next purge cycle. It makes noise that I would describe as a meow combined with a quack if that makes sense

 

[jamesmartin]

I've been out this morning and checked the location of the air bleed valve...
You were right to be suspicious James, it was fitted to the union nearest the chassis (low pressure feed), not the outer one where it should be!
I've fitted the air bleed into the correct union and run through the purge cycle again six times, she's still not showing any signs of catching and firing up, just spinning on the starter. Battery back on charge now...
The swooshing and gurgling noises have gone, replaced by a steadier sound of fuel flowing through the lines.
The pump was noisier to start with, but has settled into a steady him, apart from the first couple of seconds when the pump switches on to continue it's next purge cycle. It makes noise that I would describe as a meow combined with a quack if that makes sense

have you checked for the one way rubber duck bill location and check battery voltage whilst cranking

 

[Filbee]

Yeah, sorry should have mentioned that I also checked the one way valve. Of the two unions facing the front of the truck, it's the one nearest the chassis.
This is the same position as the one in the old filter head so that should be ok.
Still no start though

 

[Filbee]

I'll check voltage while cranking after work.
It spins over fine, and was working great before I changed the pump and filter head/filter...

 

[Filbee]

Well finally some good news... After charging the battery again after this morning's attempt after swapping the bleed valve thanks to James' suggestion, I tried again this evening. I ran through the purge cycle 7 times (the prescribed 6 plus one for luck...), left it while I had my tea and went back for one last try before it got dark. This time she gave a bit of a cough and stopped. It's the first time there's been any sign of life. So I cranked again, foot to the floor and this time she was trying to catch. I kept the starter spinning and eventually she picked up and away she went. There was a bit of smoke from the exhaust but she settled straight into a nice steady idle.
So the moral of this story is:
- Don't rely on new, genuine LR parts to be assembled correctly
- These TD5s are a bit of a sod to bleed when you've been messing about with the fuel system!

And the fuel pump relay is still red hot after 10 minutes ticking over despite replacing the pump, filter and filter head

Thanks again James for the prompt to check the filter head fittings