Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: Outback on May 21, 2012, 03:03:14 PM

Title: Non-starter - XJ VM
Post by: Outback on May 21, 2012, 03:03:14 PM

Had some trouble firing up the VM.  First started a fortnight ago and I haven't had time to try it since then.

I can hear the starter click once when I turn the key to 'on' and it turns over alright until the battery drains.

When I hook up to the Golf, the voltmeter shows around 12v.  If I leave it it goes up to 13 and has a good go at turning, but just won't fire up.

I didn't think you could flood diesels, but I had tried firing the glow plugs a few times before starting, then just once but with the accelerator down to see if that helped fire it.  Still not going though.

The glow plugs are less than 2 years old, so they should still be fine.  Checked the starter fuses under the bonnet and in the kick plate under the steering wheel, all seem fine.  I switched the starter relay with one of the others and it makes no difference, so presumably they're both ok.

Any dieselheads got any ideas?

Title: Re: Non-starter - XJ VM
Post by: scrw on May 21, 2012, 03:45:07 PM

Quote from: Outback on May 21, 2012, 03:03:14 PM

The glow plugs are less than 2 years old, so they should still be fine. 

I wouldn't assume that, check them, are they drawing a current?

Title: Re: Non-starter - XJ VM
Post by: Outback on May 21, 2012, 04:03:44 PM

Not sure, I'll have to borrow or buy a multimeter and let you know.

Title: Re: Non-starter - XJ VM
Post by: isle of man on May 21, 2012, 06:59:32 PM

Let's Face The Music And Dance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnfKmNRfLYU#)

Title: Re: Non-starter - XJ VM
Post by: bigjeepzj on May 21, 2012, 07:37:11 PM

 :iagree:

have you changed the fuel filter recently
as the header can leak air in to the system

but the glow plugs are a good place to start

Title: Re: Non-starter - XJ VM
Post by: The Smiths on May 21, 2012, 09:37:19 PM

prime the fuel filter - unscrew the lever and pump it until hard :drool:

It may take a long time, if filter is empty it is well over 100 pumps.

If it starts then you have an airleak - if glow plugs were shot it would start after a lot of cranking - but best to check them anyway

Title: Re: Non-starter - XJ VM
Post by: Outback on May 22, 2012, 03:37:09 PM

Got it.  Gave it a bit of pumping fist on The Smiths' advice and all's chirpy now   :icon_redface:

Looking at the service manual it could have been expected:

It may be necessary to manually bleed the system if
• The bowl of the fuel filter/water separator is not partially filled before installation of a new filter
• The injection pump is replaced
• High–pressure fuel line connections are loosened or lines replaced
• Initial engine start–up or start–up after an extended period of no engine operation
• Running fuel tank empty