Strange TD5 starting problem

I went out to the Disco (2001 TD5 ES auto) this morning and as usual switched on, waited till the heater light went off then tried to start. Normally it's instantaneous. This time, just churned a few times and nothing. I tried it a couple more times and eventually it burst into life as though nothing had happened.

The only thing I can think of is that the water in the diesel filter light had come on a couple of times so I drained it a week or so ago. But I have driven it since then, although not far. No sign of any diesel leaking.

Possibly an airlock?

Sounds exactly the same as mine:
http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f8/td5-starting-problem-131706.html

I spent ages tracing the fuel system. all for nought - listen to CharlesY...!

Don't know where you live, but if in Scotland I think my repair bill was OK at Whites... It was too big a job for me to take on at home (won't fit in my garage, and there was snow at the time, so I wasn't doing it on the driveway!).

Thanks Martin.

I'll bear that in mind if it happens again.......

iansoady said:

Thanks Martin.

I'll bear that in mind if it happens again.......

Click to expand...

If it happens again, see if the noise from the fuel pump is different (mine sounded like air bubbles in the fuel)...