Engine won't start immediately but needs cranking

Good afternoon all.

2003 Discovery 2 TD5 Auto (107K miles). Deisel from a reputable garage - no issues as always use the same garage. No obvious fuel leak on driveway.

6 weeks ago a garage removed the fuel tank to carry out some work, when replaced the 'green' line in the fuel pump leaked diesel. This was rectified.

Last wednesday parked up as normal on driveway. [No engine issues wha so ever]

Thursday afternoon went to start vehicle and stated the car as normal, 5 seconds later is stopped. Would not re-start, just cranked over. Fuel pump doing its normal 'whurring' noise (But quite loud) [Re fuel pump, replaced by an afermarket on in March 2023 (not my decision) and after a period of quiet running has become very noise]. The top of the fuel pump was inspected, no diesel but there was signs of wetness around the pump.

The very nice man from the AA attended and no faults on his diagostic device were found. He cranked the car for an exteneded period and after a splutter bust in to life, ticking over and revving as normal. Stopped and started as normal followed by a 5 mile drive - all very normal. He sugested that there might be an air leak in the fuel systemj which was allowing fuel in the low pressure side to feed back into the fuel tank.

Later on in the day (approx 3 hours later, same issue, would not start but just crank over - after an extended crank say 15 second ish, spluttered and burst into life.

Any thoughts please - many thanks

Sounds like an air leak in diesel supply but that’s based on my experience with the series

Going by other threads I have read then it may well be your fuel pump. Aftermarket ones, in general, have a poor reputation.

Cheers - my summations as well. The fuel pump does do its whurring and stops - when I presume pressure has been gained, but I have little confidence, an air leak is also very plausible.

I'll investigate

Treat yourself to a cheap fuel pressure test kit off Ebay. Worth its weight in gold for diagnosing fuel issues. About £36 delivered. If you intend to keep your TD5, buy one.



Read my last thread... we were getting an intermittent 4bar of pressure, but leaking it off, it was all frothy. Fubared cheap fuel pump, that lasted about 6 months.

Hi, rule out some simple things first, for example the air bleed valve(WJN500110) in the rear wheel side port of the filter head can cause such symptom, replace it with new then run a 5 pedal purge trick... also see this https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/check-td5-fuel-pump-hp.358086/#post-4820223... if these are ruled out the injector copper washers are suspects as well, what about the ECU red plug, is it dry?

Cheers - will look asap

Forgot to mention when my son had problems with his we changed the filter housing which sorted the problem.

tilly2 said:

Treat yourself to a cheap fuel pressure test kit off Ebay. Worth its weight in gold for diagnosing fuel issues. About £36 delivered. If you intend to keep your TD5, buy one.

View attachment 305317

Read my last thread... we were getting an intermittent 4bar of pressure, but leaking it off, it was all frothy. Fubared cheap fuel pump, that lasted about 6 months.

Click to expand...

There is a kit specifically for Td5 available

Thanks - the pressure test kits look good ..

Yeah, but that kit only does one specific engine, and is three times the price....

tilly2 said:

Yeah, but that kit only does one specific engine, and is three times the price....

Click to expand...

It is, but is has a proper gauge, all stainless fittings and built to last. If you need it for multiple vehicles then the cheap ones would be best, but they don't last and often not that accurate.

Cheers - havent bought yet, but considering. No updaqt eont he vehicle - poss nest week when I have a little more time - thanks for all the contributions - I'll update in time.

A proper replacement glycerin filled 100mm gauge is only about £20, which to be fair, I am going to do..... The hydraulic Holmbury ISO connections are £4 each, a few adaptors, and dowty sealing washers. I'd say £10 for the hydraulic hose and crimped connections. You could make your own TD5 testing kit for under £50.

Good luck with the motor..... Updates are very welcome on here...

A short list for the td5 from my own experience with a client.
The non return in the fuel filter housing.
A Duff fuel pump in the tank.
Glow plug wiring and plugs x4.
Fuel regulator and it's pipes on the rear of the head
The wiring loom from the injectors.(oil at the ecu plug).
The injector seals inside the head .
Once we updated this list on his 2003 td5 disco, it starts on the button and runs like a dream.

A quick check to rule out some issues, will cost a bit, but worth trying.

Does it start OK with a full tank?