P38A Diesel cranking but not starting

EntropyUK · Jan 25, 2023

Hi there all, I need pointing in the right direction. Car was difficult starting last night and 1/4 mile later it gave out whilst driving. when the engine stopped I put it into neutral and coasted to a spot I could safely stop. I THINK I ran out of diesel, fuel gauge not working and it was close to the mileage where I need to refill, so went and put a gallon in the tank. Now the car will crank and not start. There is fuel in the line as can see it in the line before the the fuel filter.

Any ideas?

Datatek · Jan 25, 2023

EntropyUK said:
Hi there all, I need pointing in the right direction. Car was difficult starting last night and 1/4 mile later it gave out whilst driving. when the engine stopped I put it into neutral and coasted to a spot I could safely stop. I THINK I ran out of diesel, fuel gauge not working and it was close to the mileage where I need to refill, so went and put a gallon in the tank. Now the car will crank and not start. There is fuel in the line as can see it in the line before the the fuel filter.

Any ideas?

Air in the system or possible in tank pump failure. Try giving it a squirt of Easy Start, if it fires up, it may push the air through.
Otherwise slacken the pipes at the injectors and crank until diesel comes out, then nip up.

Flossie · Jan 25, 2023

I ran out once in mine 2001 model. Just kept cycling the ignition maybe 10 times until the clear pipe had no bubbles and she fired up quite quickly. I think earlier models only pump when cranking or summit?

Mark Piercy · Jan 26, 2023

Pop the fuel pump relay out and with a small wire bridge the terminals, iirc it'll prime the system with the key off

failing that, as said crack an injector nut loose one full turn of the nut.

Grrrrrr · Jan 26, 2023

Is the in-tank lift-pump good? If it went dry and that lift pump isn't working you're going to struggle.

P38A Diesel cranking but not starting

EntropyUK

Well-Known Member

Datatek

Well-Known Member

Flossie

Well-Known Member

Mark Piercy

Well fumbled member....

Grrrrrr

Technician, Bodgit & Scarper Ltd

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