TD5 Hard Starting

Hello,

My 2003 Defender 90 TD5 seems to be starting harder than normal, I have to let it turn over then it stalls, then I turn it over and it takes off but runs a little rough for a few seconds... once it's running it drives great, no lack of power, no sputtering, no excess smoke, runs normal...

My initial thought is maybe a bad glow plug or two, as it runs rough like its missing a cylinder for a few seconds... is there a relay or anything in the chain that could be gone so the plug aren't coming on at all? or is there somewhere completely different I should be looking?

thanks

I'm gonna throw my hat in for injector seals

Check red plug on ecu for oil as well but you prob already know that

1988smithy said:

I'm gonna throw my hat in for injector seals

Check red plug on ecu for oil as well but you prob already know that

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ahhh yeah, that one ... I thought about it briefly, and it stung me last winter... I'll start there... thanks so much.

last time you changed fuel filter?

KISSMYAURA said:

last time you changed fuel filter?

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over the winter when I replaced the fuel pump.

Curiously, how often would you recommend?

KISSMYAURA said:

last time you changed fuel filter?

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Ooh that reminds me, porous fuel filter housing - another classic

Depends on a few things.

1) How many miles you cover
2) How often its used

I change myne every 12months or 8k miles whichever is sooner.
TD5 fuel system is such that the filter needs to be a good one, and changed regularly.

I also use MIllers Diesel Eco max which is fuel saver / fights diesel bug and increases cetane level.

From what i understand the quality of diesel is not good globally, but in canada its bad ( see britanica restorations you tube for defenders and candaian diesel)

JockHiltz said:

over the winter when I replaced the fuel pump.

Curiously, how often would you recommend?

Click to expand...

Was it a genuine/vdo Siemens pump?

I changed fuel filter every 12months just because it made me feel better

1988smithy said:

Ooh that reminds me, porous fuel filter housing - another classic

Click to expand...

porous fuel filter housing? what is that?

KISSMYAURA said:

Depends on a few things.

1) How many miles you cover
2) How often its used

I change myne every 12months or 8k miles whichever is sooner.
TD5 fuel system is such that the filter needs to be a good one, and changed regularly.

I also use MIllers Diesel Eco max which is fuel saver / fights diesel bug and increases cetane level.

Click to expand...

thank you!

1988smithy said:

Was it a genuine/vdo Siemens pump?

I changed fuel filter every 12months just because it made me feel better

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bought from LR Direct (im in Canada)... can't remember the brand.

also check the housing, it has a few things in it worth checking, red one way valve a a gauze thingy. 13 and 14 The o rings perish as well

MAHLE
MANN
all good

avoid BOSCH ALLMAKES BRITPART all utter garbage

Yes,

KISSMYAURA said:

also check the housing, it has a few things in it worth checking, red one way valve a a gauze thingy. 13 and 14

View attachment 298170

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watched a video on these a while back.... for that potentially affect start up and not driving?

for parts and diagrams

LR WORKSHOP LINK HERE

KISSMYAURA said:

MAHLE
MANN
all good

avoid BOSCH ALLMAKES BRITPART all utter garbage

Click to expand...

I noticed it was pretty noisy when I put it in....I feel like it was a britpart.

Any suppliers you recommend that ship international besides LR Direct?

JockHiltz said:

Yes,

watched a video on these a while back.... for that potentially affect start up and not driving?

Click to expand...

yep it did to me, was the one way valve in myne, but i would start with the filter

LR workshop will give you the part numbers and prices from suppliers, just join and enter your vehicle details then it will show you stuff for your one and not everyone elses!

Most ship international

Ebay / amazon is a good shout as well much cheaper on shipping just searcht he part number you will be surprised!

TD5 fuel system is a bit odd, you tube video about it from trailerfitters toolbox is worth a watch.

JockHiltz said:

porous fuel filter housing? what is that?

Click to expand...

The aluminium housing that the fuel filter screws onto can get porous (holey) over time, letting air into the fuel system. Check the links @KISSMYAURA posted and +1 on the trailerfitterstoolbox vids and have a bit of a dive into the td5 fuel system. It can be a pain in the arse!

I've had 2 td5 landys D2 and 110, across the 2 I've had issues with

Fuel filter housing
Fuel pump (twice)
Injector seals/washers
Fuel regulator

All causing similar symptoms

Only use genuine or good brand parts as per kissmyaura said with td5 fuel bits