Can't start, Won't start!

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gjb02storm

gjb02storm

New Member
Posts
52
Location
Norfolk
It has been some time since I have required the help of the forum..my 2.5 DSE has been running sweetly for several months....not any more though!:mad:

Out of nowhere the old girl won't start, at all!

I have searched through other posts, most are for slow starters not non-starters.

Here is the list of symptoms..non problems.

111k on the clock.
All lights on dash appear normal..no warnings to indicate the immobiliser is an issue.
The glowplug light comes on and goes off after a small time.
The engine cranks at a good pace. Cranked numerous times, until the battery sounded tired. Cranked several times then with the use of jumper cables. Still no joy.
A few small bubbles in the clear fuel pipe.
Not changed the fuel filter in a while. Slap on wrist!
Not changed the glowplugs as long as I have owned it. Another slap?
Previous cold start required two attempts at a start with an extra go on the glowplugs. Other than that nothing to indicate this sudden failure to start.
Normally starts well, hot or cold.

Any ideas greatfully received...even if it involves an extensive shopping list.

Cheers
 
gjb02storm said:
It has been some time since I have required the help of the forum..my 2.5 DSE has been running sweetly for several months....not any more though!:mad:

Out of nowhere the old girl won't start, at all!

I have searched through other posts, most are for slow starters not non-starters.

Here is the list of symptoms..non problems.

111k on the clock.
All lights on dash appear normal..no warnings to indicate the immobiliser is an issue.
The glowplug light comes on and goes off after a small time.
The engine cranks at a good pace. Cranked numerous times, until the battery sounded tired. Cranked several times then with the use of jumper cables. Still no joy.
A few small bubbles in the clear fuel pipe.
Not changed the fuel filter in a while. Slap on wrist!
Not changed the glowplugs as long as I have owned it. Another slap?
Previous cold start required two attempts at a start with an extra go on the glowplugs. Other than that nothing to indicate this sudden failure to start.
Normally starts well, hot or cold.

Any ideas greatfully received...even if it involves an extensive shopping list.

Cheers
Click to expand...


Check you got fuel to the injectors if you have then work your way back to the tank it mite be the pump in the tank.
 
Remove the battery cover, then the cover over the ECU behind it (2 screws)
Switch on ign & run round to the ECU & bend down & listen, after a few seconds you should hear the glowplug timer-relay 'click' off, this is just one of several tests.
Press the spring-clip down on one of the filter in or out pipes & pull it out, if its tight & you're worried about breaking it, remove the filter, place a container on the chassis below & switch on ign, fuel should run from the pipe or filter, if it does, then the in-tank pump is ok, if not, then a new pump is required, I know, I just did mine!
Check the No. 39, 10A fuse in box behind the battery, this is the pump fuse.
If all above seems ok, then I'd swap the glow-plugs, I fitted 6 new ones only 18 months ago & I recently had to replace them again, (3 dud)
I've done all the above to mine last week, it now starts in less than one rev & flies like a new car!!
 
Just had to rush down to my local 4x4 specialist for some bits.. one of which was one of those fuel pipes!! The clear length between the filter and injection pump. The plastic end snapped when I tried to remove it.

I got a new fuel filter, glow plugs and a length of leak off pipe. As well as the new fuel pipe and a non-return valve for the fuel line.

I'll check the glow relay and fuel flow from the filter housing...I'm hoping I don't have to resort to changing 'that pump'.
Is it likely to be anything other than these though?
 
Well, first things first, since the fuel pipe is off (broken) does fuel come out when ign is switched on?? If not, then check fuse 39, then then the pump possibly.
 
How long does the pump run/prime for? I switched the ignition on/off a few times on for 30 then off, and repeat. No great fountain of fuel though..not even a trickle.
Have read elsewhere that it requires a closed loop to work at its best, pipe needs to be primed to allow flow. There's no fuel in the pipe at all.
If the pump is a little weak it's not going to work to well pushing air. I'm thinking of fitting an in-line priming bulb. Had one on my old Citroen ZX Diesel..if the system ever got a bit of air..I'd squeeze the bulb several times, purge the system and she'd fire up lovely. Would that help?

Half a tank of diesel....the answer to your next question.:)

As with most fault finding jobs I'll look at the cheap alternatives and if that don't fix it...well I've still got my other kidney, even after the last big repair!
 
Mine was exactly the same, switch on, no fuel delivery, replaced pump in tank, now switch on, fuel delivery for a few seconds, just as it should be, a totally different car now!!
 
£100 for a pump/sender from flea bay..45 litres of fuel to drain from the tank. I do hope it's not that! It's seeming more and more likely though!!
I've already managed to lose the banjo bolt...I wonder if I should contact someone?? Seems if you drop a bolt in my engine bay, it falls through a hole into another dimension...never to be seen again. Two hours of searching and nothing.. :confused: :confused:
Although I did have a slightly frightening moment when I crawled under to rip off the undershield, and the beast sank on the airbags. I'm glad I'm a big lad, because I had to literally lift the thing off me...it didn't help that the front bumper was just overhanging a raised kerb.....I was bricking myself!:eek:
 
Just an update for all...if you're interested that is!:)

Changed the bleed off pipes, glow plugs and the fuel filter. I've fitted a non-return valve and a fuel priming bulb (form an old Citroen diesel).
Primed the fuel filter and pump, cranked her over and...........result! She sprang to life.
Any one of the things above may be responsible for the rangies sudden change in heart...either way I'm chuffed.
I'm sure the in-tank fuel pump will need changing at some point but not for the moment.:D
 
Glad to hear you got going again, however, it WILL run with a dodgey tank-pump, mine did, but at reduced power as the injector-pump was having to pull the fuel from the tank instead of it being delivered, believe me, if you have little or no fuel delivery upon switch on, then the fitting of the tank-pump will transform it beyond belief!!
 
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