TD5 Fuel Pump and starting issue

[reeksyofoz]

Apologies if this is covered, but I couldn't see it on any of the other threads.

My 1999 110 TD5 has been struggling in the mornings of late.

It sounds like the pump is priming every morning. 30secs-1min of whining (no louder than normal)

If we try and start it before it's finished making noises then starter goes but the truck don't go!

But no problems if it's stopped and started during the day.

It's got a 120l tank, is chipped and is parked virtually on the level overnight.

Vehicle has done 228,000km, last fuel filter was fitted at 215,000km and a new pump was fitted by PO (apparently due to noise, so it's kept as a spare) at 160,000km.

Is this typical of a pump that's on its way out?


Cheers
G

[greenextreme]

I recently had similar with the same model [1999/Td5/200,000km] and found the fuel regulator was leaking / faulty and an injector was on the way out. Both were repaired and the pump began operating as per normal. Initially there were suggestions the fuel pump might be failing also but as it turned out that wasn't the case [and the original pump is still in-situ]. cheers,

[reeksyofoz]

Thanks for that info. greenextreme ... can I ask?

Where there any other symptoms?
How did you diagnose the fuel regulator? - sounds like something I should check.

There don't seem to be any other issues. Once the car's running it's fine. Left for 6 hours yesterday and it started fine.

[Psimpson7]

When did the noise start? after the service? or more recently?

[reeksyofoz]

It's the noise it makes when priming after a service, but it only started a week ago, and only seems to go through the motions after a long rest.

[Psimpson7]

Sounds like air is getting in somewhere.

Fuel regulator (rear rhs (drivers side) of engine) or possibly an issue with fuel filter (original seal left when new one fitted maybe)

Is there any evidence of a fuel leak from the regulator? diesel on starter motor etc?

[reeksyofoz]

Ok - i haven't checked yet, but sounds like it's worth doing. Thanks.

[reeksyofoz]

No sign of any fuel leaking ... just a smidgen of oil from a previous rocker cover leak.

After filling the tank the problem has gone away.

I'll see if it happens again as the fuel gets lower, perhaps it's a sign the pump is on its way out?

Or maybe the last batch of fuel wasn't great?

[Rosco]

Or maybe the last batch of fuel wasn't great?

I'd put a modest amount on that, if you bought it from other than your usual source.

I've picked up a dud load of fuel on more than one occasion and the fuel pump screamed its tits off. Swap fuel filter and decent fuel.. problem solved.

[reeksyofoz]

I'd put a modest amount on that, if you bought it from other than your usual source.

I've picked up a dud load of fuel on more than one occasion and the fuel pump screamed its tits off. Swap fuel filter and decent fuel.. problem solved.

It was the same BP station as i've used a fair few times before, but I don't suppose it rules it out.

[reeksyofoz]

The noise came back again. I had a closer look, with the engine cover off this time.

Turns out there was a tiny leak in the fuel return hose, which was cracking in various places, nicely obscured under the snorkel intake pipe.

2.5 metres of fuel hose and the job's a good 'un ... what a nice change to have a $20 fix rather than a $1000 fix!

[greenextreme]

Thanks for that info. greenextreme ... can I ask?

Where there any other symptoms?
How did you diagnose the fuel regulator? - sounds like something I should check.

There don't seem to be any other issues. Once the car's running it's fine. Left for 6 hours yesterday and it started fine.

No other symptoms. Car started OK, ran OK and all else seemed normal. As for diagnosing the problem...noticed a small, slow fuel leak onto the floor..traced it back to left rear of engine [fuel regulator]. About same time I noticed engine oil level on the dipstick was slowly, slightly increasing...being fuel leaking into sump...from faulty injector...needed replacing. Rest is $$$ history [and now fixed] :D