Freelander won't start!

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lou5590

Member
Posts
72
Location
carmarthenshire
So recently my freelander struggled to start, then went to not starting on the key without easy start. Then went to not starting at all.

Before I delve down a rabbit hole, am I right in thinking to check/replace air filter and fuel filter?

Then move onto crank sensor?

I have no error codes that I can see, usual lights when cranking over. It's a td4 by the way
 
I would check the health of the battery first, then the earths on the starter. Also glow plugs would be worth a check. Fuel and air filters not a bad idea.
 
Check you have fuel coming from the fuel pump, which is behind the OS rear wheel arch liner, if that is ok yes changed the fuel filter if it as not been done in the last 12 months anyway, do a leak back test, also check the HPFP regulator O-rings they can fail, the fix only cost £5.99 and about an hours work to change them, also check the fuel rail connector wires unplug them spray with electrical contact cleaner and refit which will cost nothing but time.

maybe after those report back and let us know the outcome.
 
I had two injectors fail with similar symptoms to yours but before they failed completely it was much harder to start either hot or cold, can't remember which way round though.

Does that sound familiar to your issue or not?

You can pick up a leak back test kit for about £ 20 off ebay but not sure if they are any good.

People also make their own as there's not a lot to them.

I don't know how much a test would cost but would guess £ 20 - £ 30 - or if you have a friendly mechanic they might do one for gratis.

I think the only way to check the high pressure fuel pump o rings is to remove them to take a look and if you're doing that you may as well change them anyway.

Crank sensor can also give dodgy starting (and in turn that could be an electrical issue in the wiring/ connectors) but I think you would have had other symptoms too.

I'd be surprised if it was as simple as dirty fuel/ air filters although, of course, they should be changed regularly.

Surely its too warm for glow plugs at the moment.

Anyway all of the above posts are possibilities but my money's on the injectors or high pressure fuel pump O rings.

I'd start with a leak back test.

Fritz
 
Ok news... I think...

Stripped off the intake and engine covers. Air filter looks new. Seriously not even a spec of dirt on the useless foam coat.

However there is alot of diesel around the injectors. Haven't pulled the injectors yet but after a similar experience with a 330d I'm guessing the o rings or the washers need to be replaced. Also if fuel is getting to the injectors am I right in thinking that I can rule out the low pressure pump in the arch and the fuel filter?

Hp doesn't appear to be leaking so I'm assuming I can rule that out for now too?
 
Most certainly do a leak back test on the injectors if you can see diesel around them, also make sure the T joints are secure and not damaged which being plastic is a possibility, the regulator does not need to be leaking for it not to hold pressure, so the O-rings could still be damaged therefore a possibility. Make sure it is diesel around the injectors smell it, & feel it as its different to oil which could in the same area from the cam cover bolts over the chain, sometimes it gets pieced by over tightening the engine cover bolt.

Leak back test kit.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281797124034

copper seal washers
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271471329904

Brass leak off kit.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281404361492

Regulator O-rings
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Common-R...039508?hash=item4d913aeb94:g:PTQAAOSwqu9U3zfY
 
Does the hp pump have to be removed to check the regulator? Or can I do that in situ? Not overly familiar with the process.
The plastic on top of the injectors seems intact, along with the spill off pipes L. Although did notice that 3 of the injectors actually spilt diesel out while I was taking them out, one didn't.

Does that mean 3 of my injectors are fubard or what?
 
Does the hp pump have to be removed to check the regulator? Or can I do that in situ? Not overly familiar with the process.
The plastic on top of the injectors seems intact, along with the spill off pipes L. Although did notice that 3 of the injectors actually spilt diesel out while I was taking them out, one didn't.

Does that mean 3 of my injectors are fubard or what?

When you say spilt you mean that when the T leak back connector was removed a little diesel was showing or are you saying you removed the injectors completely ? the regulator can be removed from the high pressure fuel pump without taking the pump off its self, you would need to remove the starter motor to do so, the regulator is held on by tow torx bolts
 

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When you say spilt you mean that when the T leak back connector was removed a little diesel was showing or are you saying you removed the injectors completely ? the regulator can be removed from the high pressure fuel pump without taking the pump off its self, you would need to remove the starter motor to do so, the regulator is held on by tow torx bolts
The plastic T bits on top of the injector, 3of them split diesel out when I took them off, one didn't, and thanks for the info regarding the hp pump, will get to that once it stops raining haha
 
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