Discovery mk1 reluctant to start

Any advise would be welcome as I am now stumped

Many thanks
Mike

did you check that the GPs really do glow red ?

what do you do with the throttle pedal while it's trying to start ?

Symptons he describes is a classic glow plug problem, even one not working will cause starting difficulty...

I dont touch the thotle when starting. I have notist in the passed that if you give it some gas it takes even longer to start.

Do I check the glow plugs, just bu taking one out and turning the ignition?

Thanks
Mike

You have two choices 1.disconnect all glow plugs and check the resistance from the top of the plug to engine or body of plug-you are looking for a short circuit,if you get high resistance or open circuit the plug is dead.2. take the plugs out and short across the battery using jump leads-the tip should glow red in a few seconds-careful the plug will be hot.Others have posted on here about testing all the plugs at once to emulate engine use-this would be best method of the lot.

There's a relay for the glow plugs as well, might be worth checking that and the wiring.

If it was the relay or wiring, would I still get the the glow plug light on the dash?

Get someone to turn the ignition on while you test for power at the GP feed. You should get a feed while the light is on on the dash. Once the light goes out the power supply to the wire should stop as it should be on a timed relay. Carefull when you test the plugs if you put your own feed the them. Leave them to glow but leaving them too long could burn them out.

Hi

I have check the voltage to my glow plugs and when I turn the key I get 10v which slowly rises to 11v just before the relay cuts of the power to the plugs. Is this right?

Many thanks
Mike

climbingmike said:

Hi

I have check the voltage to my glow plugs and when I turn the key I get 10v which slowly rises to 11v just before the relay cuts of the power to the plugs. Is this right?

Many thanks
Mike

Click to expand...

seems a volt or 2 low BUT are they getting red hot ?

I will get one out and have a look.

Many thanks
Mike

climbingmike said:

I will get one out and have a look.

Many thanks
Mike

Click to expand...

you'll need to get them all out - just because one gets red hot doesn't mean the others will

:doh: Ok I will take them all out, thats going to be a pain there is all sorts of other stuff in the way lol

Many thanks
Mike

hi i have a disovery 95 auto and i have the same problem in the morning, changed all glow plugs and relay still no better new fuel filter no better any more ideas

Injector leak-off pipes. About 1/4" diameter, cloth covered pipes running between three of the injectors and blanked at the bulkhead end. Known to become brittle over time and crack, letting air into the system. Get them as a metre length at a motor factors for a few quid and you can get 4+ sets out of it! Last time I checked LR stealers were £14 the set ...

Sounds like air getting into the fuel system to me, agree with paul d leak off pipes orcheck sender unit connection under the carpet in the boot

Cool thanks for all that info. I will take a look at the weekend.

Many thanks
Mike

Had same problem with my Disco , it turned out to be a loose pipe at the top of the tank , perhaps worth a try .

my 200tdi and 300tdi both start without waiting for the glow plug light to go out