Starting problem (intermittent)

Had a problem with starting the disco after it wasn't used for 3 days or so.
Turns over but didn't fire so stopped and tried again and still the same.
Left it for 5 minutes, tried again and started up first try. Battery is fine and waited for the heater plug light to go off.
Could it be air in the fuel line caused by rough looking leak off pipes or something more problematic?
Thanks in advance.

maybe the fuel filter but probably air, replace the fuel filter and leak off pipes and try fitting a non return valve are probably the easiest, quickest and cheapest fixes to try first

Possibly an immobiliser issue? I don't know if the immobiliser stops the engine from turning over or if it just cuts the fuel though.

Lift pumps are prone to failing on 300Tdi's too, could be that?

Thanks for the replies, I've got something to go at now.

Immobiliser cuts the starter on mine, could be stop seleniod sticking, have come across this before

Hi All

Got a similar intermittent problem.

My 1998 Defender (fitted with factory immobiliser) usually starts first time, but if then stopped a few minutes later, sometimes fails to restart. There is no problem with the battery or starter motor as the engine turns over well. If left then for a few minutes it usually starts first time. Once running there are no issues.

I have already replaced the stop solenoid. Could the problem be linked to the immobiliser as I have not used it for many years?

Thanks
killid

The relays in the immobiliser suffer from dry joints after a while. If it doesn't start give the black box in the front of the battery bay a swift thump and try again. if it works probably dry joints. Box can be removed and opened up (needs rivets drilling / grinding out). Once open there is a plastic box inside, open that (simple) and look at the PCB for poor joints. Resolder and reassemble - simples