Disco TD5 going nowhere

[Murphy]

Hi Folks,
A very good friend of mine (very competent diesel mechanic, but not a Landy fundi) has rebuilt the top end of another friend's disco TD5. Motor is all back in one piece, and turns over, but will not start.
Turns over (quickly) but not the faintest hint of firing. We have looked at the usual suspects. Checked the crank sensor, seems fine. Any suggestions?
The motor was out for a while (disco will likely grow roots if it doesn't move soon), is it possible that the immobilizer is playing up, or would this prevent the starter from turning altogether?...
Please, if you have any suggestions, would be much appreciated.
Thanks all,
Ben.

[RANDYTD5]

Im no mechanic so I will give it my best shot.................

PUT IN DIESEL.

I hope I was of assistance.

Paul
2004 DISCO TD5 GS Auto
ex - 1997 DISCO Tdi.

[TwinDisco]

Read the owners manual, there is a certain sequence to follow to bleed the diesel supply....

[DiscoMad]

Murphy, there are plenty of things that will prevent it from starting, unfortunately.

In a case like this most guys are going to tell you to get a diagnostic reader.

Basics - Fuel pressure, is the pump working or even relay kicking in
Injectors, correctly coded and firing?
Harness from injectors to ECU
All sensors plugged in, coolant temp, MAP on manifold, AAP on airbox
Lastly do you have enough volts! steady 13volts at least.

[DiscoMad]

Easy bleed switch ON (lights on dash) and keep pumping the throttle until MIL engine light comes on. Pump will go through a cycle to purge the system. Wait for it to finish. Check volts. Start while throttle at WOT position until (hopefully) you reach 2000rpm and see if she would idle.

[Stubbzie]

It can take as many as 4 or 5 purge cycles to properly prime fuel after air has been in the fuel lines.

Each time I have done this it has not taken less than 10 minutes of effort before starting. During that 10 minutes there will be nothing.

Follow the sequence in the manual at least 3 or 4 times before giving up, it will sometimes feel like the battery is going to run pap.

[Landy Nut]

OK my 5 cents worth. I have had lots of "fun and games" with my Disco TD 5 motor.

1 Is it the same computer?, if not must be security learned before any action takes place.
2 Let the fuel pump go through at least 5 five full cycles.
3 Put your foot on the throttle pedal, down to the floor and hold it there.
4 Crank the motor and see what happens.
5 Initially the motor burps and burbles a bit and will slowly pick up speed and then (should) idle. Keep the starter running while it is doing this but for not more than about 20 seconds at a time. Allow the starter to cool for a minute or two then go again.

If no joy, go to the next step.

Next step, remove the hose going into the turbo. Get some "Quicksart" and spray into the turbo for about +- 3 seconds and crank again. Doom fly spray also works quite well. Do not over indulge with the quickstart as it is pretty harsh on a diesel.

The only really important plug to worry about initially is the crankshaft sensor. This should not be a problem as you would not have touched that if you only did the head. The motor will (should) start and run without all the other plugs connected, all be it not properly.

The coding of the injectors is not a train smash in getting the motor running, you can do that later. Just ensure that the injector harness is properly lugged in and no damaged pins.

Lots of patience -- ask me .

[Murphy]

Thank you gentlemen -will report back.
Hoping a few more purge cycles might help things along...

Regards,

Ben.

[Landyluvver]

even if not purged properly, it should still splutter and cough up some smoke.
check the connection at the ECU as well as the cable that plugs into the front of the head.
remove the plug and inspect the pins. sometimes guys use force to refit and bend the pins.
you will not be the first to have forgotten to replug the injector harness.
not sure if you have refitted the doggy blanket but as a rule i only refit after i have gotten her restarted.
easier to notice leaks and loose wires with it off.

[Hagu13]

There have also been reports of the starter interfering with the crank position sensor at startup.
If it's manual, try a tow start to see if it goes.

but my money is on the purge like everyone else. When purging, squat down at the right rear wheel arch and listen to the pump. It will whine and gurgle a bit and then quieten down. If it goes quiet suddenly then the pump has timed out and stopped. Turn off the key and turn back on and she will try again. If it quietens down gradually then your fuel lines are full and you can start it. you will still need generous throttle but she should fire quickly.