wont start first thing

Hi Chaps.
Yet another TD4 problem.
New LP fuel pump, new fuel filter, Injection pump just a year old.
Used to start first or second time, any time.
Now suddenly the b***ard just wont start from cold. Once started, and run a few minutes, it starts first time.
This morning I actually flattened the battery trying to start.
After checking that there was fuel from the LP pump (plenty of it) I tried turning off the Synergy module, and tried one last time. It caught, and I was able to get to work, late.
On trying again at home time, bloody same again, so that would seem to rule out the Synergy. There's no smoke of any colour either running or even after cranking for ages before starting.
I haven't had chance to check the glo plugs yet, but I'd appreciate any ides from you guys before I take the manifold off to look
Cheers.

Get yr battery checked over, then change air filter, and check glowplugs are good, try easy start it might diagnose something.

Battery fail is probably favorite tho, or alternator not putting enough charge into it halfrauds still do free checks I thinks

Thanks mate, but battery is great, but even a good battery only has so many engine turns in it. Air filter was changed at last service about 8 months since. Engine start is a good idea though but too late to get some before tomoz morning.
Keep idea's coming though, all gratefully received.
I'm thinking something electrical, but just a hunch.

My battery was good until it got colder that's when you notice it a free halfrauds check cost nowt, 8months on a filter could be mucky tbh for the sake of a fiver I'd swap it....

Check your terminals are tight as can be, I had an issue while ago and my starter wires and terminals had corroded a bit...

it is a bit colder are your glow plugs ok do you wait until the glow plug light goes out

teddywood1 said:

it is a bit colder are your glow plugs ok do you wait until the glow plug light goes out

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My l series is instant turn, but could try waiting for the light To go out several times to get them nice and hot

Andrew McIntyre said:

Hi Chaps.
Yet another TD4 problem.
New LP fuel pump, new fuel filter, Injection pump just a year old.
Used to start first or second time, any time.
Now suddenly the b***ard just wont start from cold. Once started, and run a few minutes, it starts first time.
This morning I actually flattened the battery trying to start.
After checking that there was fuel from the LP pump (plenty of it) I tried turning off the Synergy module, and tried one last time. It caught, and I was able to get to work, late.
On trying again at home time, bloody same again, so that would seem to rule out the Synergy. There's no smoke of any colour either running or even after cranking for ages before starting.
I haven't had chance to check the glo plugs yet, but I'd appreciate any ides from you guys before I take the manifold off to look
Cheers.

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Sounds like air in the fuel system ... Is it draining back overnight and needs to be pumped through in the morning, causing a flattened battery?

Dippypud said:

Sounds like air in the fuel system ... Is it draining back overnight and needs to be pumped through in the morning, causing a flattened battery?

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Dippypud said:

Sounds like air in the fuel system ... Is it draining back overnight and needs to be pumped through in the morning, causing a flattened battery?

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Hi Diddypud.
I think you're right. All the way along it's seemed like lack of fuel, but it had me fooled because of all the things I'd changed, thus leaving me thinking it was possibly electrical. This morning it was the same story, until I'd left the pump running for a good 5 minutes before trying it, when it started. I'm not sure why it's suddenly started leaking back, but I'm going to put a non return valve in the fuel feed pipe and see if that cures it. I've looked for any leaks that could suck air when stood overnight, but can't find anything suspect. Time will tell I suppose.
Cheers to all for your help.
Andy.

Andrew McIntyre said:

Hi Diddypud.
I think you're right. All the way along it's seemed like lack of fuel, but it had me fooled because of all the things I'd changed, thus leaving me thinking it was possibly electrical. This morning it was the same story, until I'd left the pump running for a good 5 minutes before trying it, when it started. I'm not sure why it's suddenly started leaking back, but I'm going to put a non return valve in the fuel feed pipe and see if that cures it. I've looked for any leaks that could suck air when stood overnight, but can't find anything suspect. Time will tell I suppose.
Cheers to all for your help.
Andy.

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You'll need to diagnose it first, got through the Vehicle Specific software with live data, its as good as it gets in the aftermarket garages ... Hawkeye Pro seem to be Dealer Level Diagnostics

There maybe someone who has a Hawkeye close to you who'll come and give it the once over for beer tokens ...

Long gone are the days of hitting stuff with a hammer and untrained mechanics, these electrickery vehicles are a bit of a beggar, but, Vehicle diagnostics is a specialised craft, we have vehicle technicians now with the array of technology crammed into them, we have evolved with the technology ...

As a quick cheap look at ... check the in tank pump, even if it works they can suck up crap if it has got low fuel at anytime ...also the one by the filter in the engine bay ... otherwise it's Diag time ...

There's no smoke of any colour either running or even after cranking for ages before starting.

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no smoke at all while cranking would indicate no fuel being injected
( i'd expect a whiff of white smoke if some fuel were present .. but not burning )

All the way along it's seemed like lack of fuel

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i take it you know what ethanol/methanol can do to rubber/plastics
and the potential for metal corrosion inside fuel systems

~~~~~~~~

4) Corrosion of internal engine components - Water contamination may cause fuel system corrosion and severe deterioration.

5) Contaminants in fuel system – water, degraded rubber, plastic, fibreglass and rust may get drawn in.

6) It could encourage microbial growth in fuel. Ethanol being organic and hygroscopic may allow the growth of fungus.

7) Short shelf life - as short as 90 days

8) Corrodes plastic and rubber - Ethanol is a strong, aggressive solvent and will cause problems with rubber hoses, o-rings, seals, and gaskets. These problems are worse during extended storage when significant deterioration could take place. Hoses may delaminate, o-rings soften and break down, and fuel system components made from certain types of plastics could either soften or become hard and brittle, eventually failing. Fuel system components made from brass, copper, and aluminium may oxidize. The dissolved plastics and resins now in the fuel could end up in blocked fuel filters or gummy deposits.

( taken from Protect Your Vehicle Against Harmful Impact of Ethanol Blended Petrol )

~~~~~~

me using an ethanol based air-freshner/disinfectant .. almost daily
took out 2 electrical switches ( the same one ) over a period of 1 year

hd3 said:

i take it you know what ethanol/methanol can do to rubber/plastics
and the potential for metal corrosion inside fuel systems

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Yes thanks HD3, I know all about it as I've been making bio for over three years so quite well informed. In any case now, I don't run on bio anymore as my supply of raw oil dried up, so back to being robbed blind by the taxman and the fuel company's.

Definitely fuel draining back, so I'm happy now, I'll fit a non return which should cure the starting problem, all I have to do at the moment is turn on the ignition and wait till the pump stops, then turn off, then on and start, that sorts it.
Thanks for your help lads.
Andy.