V8 3.9 Turns over but won't start

Hope someone can help. Have a 1998 model V8, noticed on the weekend that the lead from the coil to the centre of dist cap was almost burnt through at the rubber. Use some tape on it to see me through the weekend, by Sat night had to wiggle a bit to get spark but it would start. Sunday it was completely dead. Monday, put on new lead from Land Rover and nothing, Tuesday put on new dist cap and rotar, still nothing. I turns over but does not fire. Checked spark plugs, all fine. Every once in a blue moon it seems to get close, runs a bit lumpy for about 10 seconds but dies as soon as I touch the excelerator pedel. There is a spark from the lead attached to the coil and there is petrol in the tank. Doing my head in now as live miles from the shops and schools etc :-( Any help greatly appreciated.

you said you checked spark pugs how did you check them

When was the last service

Hi, last service was about 9 months ago when new leads were fitted. Took plugs out to check condition, condition was good, next door neighbour carefully held spark near manifold while I turned over to check spark.
I did wonder if it could be a fuel issue as plugs did not seem wet, however would not count for the rare occasion over the last week it ran lumpy for a few moments.
Many thanks

Have you checked your fuel filter

That and the fuel pump was going to be my next step, but I am no mechanic. I do hear a buzz for a few seconds coming from the pump area when I turn on the ignition, but whether that means it is working fully I do not know. I did check the electrical points and see power getting through though. When it comes to the fuel filter, is this something that can be checked or just replaced?

Many thanks again.

fuel filters are not too much money under a £10 the last one cost me I think, fuel sender should make a buzzing sound so if it is buzzing steadily then it should be ok but if you can pull it out press the clips in on the side of it but do be carefull not to snap them and see if the little sort of filter bag at the bottom is ok and not disintergrated that has happened to my mates fuel sender on his landy, also check your fuel lines that they have not been bent

So that buzz is the fuel sender, thanks for that. It makes a sound but just for a few seconds when I turn the key to number 2 on the ignition. I have just had a look but think I am going to have to try with a bit more vigour as the pump seems unmovable at the moment and I do not have the recommended tool to remove it, but shall persist. Thanks for the help, will let you know how I get on.

Ricks said:

So that buzz is the fuel sender, thanks for that. It makes a sound but just for a few seconds when I turn the key to number 2 on the ignition. I have just had a look but think I am going to have to try with a bit more vigour as the pump seems unmovable at the moment and I do not have the recommended tool to remove it, but shall persist. Thanks for the help, will let you know how I get on.

Click to expand...

I have no special tool to remove one, I removed mine with a spanner and screwdriver.
just be care full when removing not to bend the arm for the fuel level

V8's don't like any moisture. Liberally spray WD40 on ignition coil, distributor and all plug leads. Then try to start again. This always works with my classic

So have got a fuel filter on order, should be here in the morning, but am now doubting that this is the issue. Looked at the top of the pump today, still getting a noise from the pump when initially turning ignition key, but, took off pipe (pipe out not pipe in) and nothing is coming through when turning over. Took out pump and took off lower case and that filter bag at the bottom looks fine. With the pump out, connected and do get a whirring noise from the pump when switch on, but nothing getting pushed through.
So unless anyone has any suggestions, I am guessing I am in need of a new fuel pump :-(