Freelander 1 WHITE smoke cutting out after few seconds starting

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ajfarrell

Active Member
Posts
126
Hey folks,

Very recently my Freelander TD4 started to give issues starting:

When turn the ignition key it attempts to start / crank but within seconds dies out

After a few attempts it always starts but puffs out a large plume of white smoke.

The attached codes showed on icar; I’ve reset/removed error codes problem remains.

Reading the forums it could be a gasket seal to the engine/leak from coolant.

Would it be sensible in your experience to try ‘noLeaky’ head gasket repair which claims to seal minor lakes without having to change gaskets.

Many thanks for any and all help,

Best,
Anthony
 

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Do a leak back test on the injectors, if that shows up nothing, then maybe look at the regulator on the HPFP, when was the fuel filter last changed, put codes in the link below it may help you.




I think you will find P1e30 to be a false road due to leaving the ignition on to long without starting.
 
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I absolutely would not be putting that stuff in any vehicle I own. HG failure is rare on the TD4 so I'd definitely be doing more investigation on where the leak might be first. Compression test first, and if that's okay, have a look at other possible components like the various coolers etc.
 
Do a leak back test on the injectors, if that shows up mothing then maybe look at the regulator on the HPFP, when was the fuel filter last changed, put codes in the link below it may help you.




I think you will find P1e30 to be a false road due to leaving the ignition on to long without starting.
Thanks artic, all codes cleared and haven’t reappeared.

I bought and changed out the fuel pressure sensor but now even harder to start, white smoke on start with smell of diesel.

Once it starts no issue at all, runs very smooth. And restarts instantly when hot. When cooled down takes about 4-5 attempts until engine is hot.

Could it be glow plugs? Or main fuel pump?

At a loss right now.

Many thanks,
A
 
Could it be glow plugs? Or main fuel pump?
rekon i'd investigate the glow plugs ..
the hp.fuel pump , if pump pistons worn out, would exhibit the opposite, .

i've not tried starting a td4 in cold-ish temps without the gp's operating,
but experience with older diesels [ e.g. circa 1970's ] with no gp's,
sais lottsa white smoke .. much cranking to start .. bit of roughness,
be normal .. then all ok when engine warms up.

attached .jpg be info re the td4's glow plugs
'n if you need to change them .. there are pitfalls,
do a forum search for info.
..
Glow_Plug_operation_td4.jpg
..
 
rekon i'd investigate the glow plugs ..
the hp.fuel pump , if pump pistons worn out, would exhibit the opposite, .

i've not tried starting a td4 in cold-ish temps without the gp's operating,
but experience with older diesels [ e.g. circa 1970's ] with no gp's,
sais lottsa white smoke .. much cranking to start .. bit of roughness,
be normal .. then all ok when engine warms up.

attached .jpg be info re the td4's glow plugs
'n if you need to change them .. there are pitfalls,
do a forum search for info.
..
View attachment 321293
..
Many thanks! I’ll have a look on forum RE: changing the glow plugs so, looks straight forward although involves focus fairly deep into the engine 🤓
 

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Many thanks! I’ll have a look on forum RE: changing the glow plugs so, looks straight forward although involves focus fairly deep into the engine 🤓
If you're in the northern hemisphere in July - I don't think glow plugs are your problem.

Pretty sure the M47 only needs them when its fookin cold.

I really have no idea what the problem is, but if you pushed me to suggest something, I'd say you may have fuel leaking into the cylinders when the engine is cold - ie from injectors. This has been reported on the forum a few times and it can destroy pistons.
 
I'd say you may have fuel leaking into the cylinders when the engine is cold - ie from injectors.
good point 👍 .. i'd fergotten about that possibility.
i did read something on rover rons site .. mentioning that some injectors can be faulty when cold,
but run ok when warm ..
am tempted to go out 'n disconnect the gp's .. 'n see how it starts .. [ ambient temp at mo. 13c ]
.
 
If you're in the northern hemisphere in July - I don't think glow plugs are your problem.

Pretty sure the M47 only needs them when its fookin cold.

I really have no idea what the problem is, but if you pushed me to suggest something, I'd say you may have fuel leaking into the cylinders when the engine is cold - ie from injectors. This has been reported on the forum a few times and it can destroy pistons.
good point 👍 .. i'd fergotten about that possibility.
i did read something on rover rons site .. mentioning that some injectors can be faulty when cold,
but run ok when warm ..
am tempted to go out 'n disconnect the gp's .. 'n see how it starts .. [ ambient temp at mo. 13c ]
.
Thanks for the comments folks, I’m in Dublin so is very mild alright, but will try disconnect the glo plugs and see what happens.

If still the issue then I’ll do a leak back test on the pistons.

I Measured the high pressure fuel line on the obd2 and is registering 290kpa - 310kpa which I think from other forums is in the right ball park area-suggesting the pump although noisy and sounding like spluttering are times may not be the issue… mind you when warm the car starts no problem everytime.

I recall about 8 years ago had the very same symptoms and after many comments here was pointed to leak back test which showed up one of the pistons faulty… could be another one is leaking note now.

All that said, this td4 hasn’t let me down in 10 years (with exception of needing a turbo replacement along the way) with 130,000 miles on clock runs a dream.

Thanks gents for the very helpful comments, very much appreciated.

A
 
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Thanks for the comments folks, I’m in Dublin so is very mild alright, but will try disconnect the glo plugs and see what happens.

If still the issue then I’ll do a leak back test on the pistons.

I Measured the high pressure fuel line on the obd2 and is registering 290kpa - 310kpa which I think from other forums is in the right ball park area-suggesting the pump although noisy and sounding like spluttering are times may not be the issue… mind you when warm the car starts no problem everytime.

I recall about 8 years ago had the very same symptoms and after many comments here was pointed to leak back test which showed up one of the pistons faulty… could be another one is leaking note now.

All that said, this td4 hasn’t let me down in 10 years (with exception of needing a turbo replacement along the way) with 130,000 miles on clock runs a dream.

Thanks gents for the very helpful comments, very much appreciated.

A
Some recordings this eve, coldStart (at 15 DegC out) and hotStart (shortly after final getting to start after cold start).

Any thoughts besides being to breaker yard much appreciated 🤣

Cheers,
A
 

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Hey folks,

Still none the wiser on issue with slow starting.

takes 3 to 4 attempts to start and cuts out each time as if fuel just won’t ignite.

Attached code read tonight.

http://p1643.enginetroublecode.com/ Suggests could be oxygen sensor or dodgey wiring.

Plans to resolve:
1. check the glow plugs which I’ll do later with a volt meter at fuse box (good link on this site to that procedure) and replace as needed.

2. clean air filter and egr valve

3. Leak back test on injectors - is there a with way to do this with infra red temperature sensor?

4. Replace oxygen sensor - is the the MAF?

5. Replace the fuel pump (rear drivers side wheel arch)

Images attached of fault and readings.

Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers 🍻
A
 

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Don’t think it’s the glow plugs… certainly not on a warm engine.
Pressure readings suggest you can potentially rule out LP pump, and fuel pressure at the rail looks ok.

I wouldn’t be doing all the work you list just on the off-chance you fix it.
 
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