HELP! No start petrol V6

[Disco-tastic]

Hi all. Went to move the car and all systems appear normal but when i try to start all i get is starter motor trying and trying but it wont even kick a little. There are no errors on the dash, and i don't have a diagnostic tool to check any codes.

I've google searched on a couple of forums to no avail, and am hoping someone here might know what it is.

My first thought was an immobiliser issue. Checked all related fuses and nothing is busted. Tried a hard reset to no avail.

About to check spark and fuel. My gut feeling is a fuel pump - probably the in tank pump - but i have nothing to really back that up as yet.

Just about to open the workshop manual and have a read. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Ps. We're planning to head to byron for the weekend for a wedding. It's gonna be squishy for 3 adults and 2 kids in a hyundai i30... :(

[justinc]

You really need to check the fuel pressure first. Fuel pump issues aren't unusual for the 4.0

Jc

[Disco-tastic]

You really need to check the fuel pressure first. Fuel pump issues aren't unusual for the 4.0

JcWhat's the best way to do that jc? The little valve on the end of fuel rail with the blue cap?

[remoman]

Sounds like classic fuel pump mate. That'd be my first port of call.

[Disco-tastic]

Well it's not spark. Thats bright and healthy.

While i could smell fuel with the plug out, the plug wasnt wet and there was nothing but air coming out the plug hole. So fuel it is. Gonna double check all the fuses

Any advice on how to check the fuel pumps is appreciated!

Thanks

Dan

[remoman]

Got a fuel pressure test gauge? only way to know for sure.

You can pick them up pretty cheap on ebay or supercheap auto...

[Disco-tastic]

Well, new fuel pump ordered. Gonna try fit it in the driveway tonight. Back up plan is tow it to the mechanics on tuesday as its booked in for a wheel bearing anyway.

Wish me luck!

Dan

[Aussie Jeepster]

I guess you will know how easy (or not) it is to do the fuel pump.
On my old Disco 1 V8, you removed a plate in the reaf floor, cleaned all the mud out, then lifted the pump out - it was a breeze.
Would love to know how it is with the V6 - same as I have now.
Alan

[Disco-tastic]

I guess you will know how easy (or not) it is to do the fuel pump.
On my old Disco 1 V8, you removed a plate in the reaf floor, cleaned all the mud out, then lifted the pump out - it was a breeze.
Would love to know how it is with the V6 - same as I have now.
AlanNo longer! You have to drop the tank, but apparently you can't drain the tank first. Thankfully i have less than 20L in there.

I have a mate coming to help. And beers. Beers will definitely help [emoji14]

[Disco-tastic]

Well its all in and running again. Woohoo! Sad part is the pump was $850 for OEM (not genuine)! One quote i got was for $2000 just for the pump! [emoji44]

I won't say it was easy, but it wasnt the hardest thing. Took a mate and i 4 hours on the driveway from go to whoa though. We had a bottle and a trolley jack and an impact wrench which made life easier.

Theres a few "quick release" connectors you have to release, though they're all different, with some less quick than others. Limited access doesn't help though it turns out you can drop the tank a fair way to aid fat fingers in reaching them.

The pump is offset in the tank, and visibility is pretty average, though the opening in the tank was big enough for my arm to fit in (my arms are pretty skinny tho). The drawings in the workshop manual could be way better than they are. I didn't realise the sender was fixed to the far side of the pump. Thankfully it fell off the pump without damage. Id recommend that new players shove their hand in the tank and feel all around the pump before taking it out.

Its really hard to keep everything clean. I have a few specks of dirt in the tank now, which i honestly don't know how you'd avoid it. Theres alot of stuffing about getting the pump in and out, with a bunch of connectors in the way.

I also lost one of the o rings off the fuel line that connects to the pump. A bit of fishing round inside the tank (and a bit of freaking out too) and i managed to find it and all was well again.

All good now tho and hopefully will stay good for another 150k km.

A quick tip for anyone who has the same problem - i was told that sometimes the motors on the pump get stuck at a worn spot and wont spin without help. Help comes in the form of a few sharp taps with a hammer on the bottom of the tank guard. I tried this first and the old pump started working again, but as i had help nearby, and i wasnt sure how long til it got stuck again, we switched the pumps over anyway.

Now off to byron tomorrow. Pray or wish or cross your fingers that nothing goes wrong!

Cheers

Dan

[Disco-tastic]

Well, made it to Byron and back. Car ran flawlessly. No starting issues. No leaking fuel. Even got about 12L/100km which is the best yet!

It's in for its wheel bearing work today and no comments from the mechanics so must be ok! [emoji14]

Thanks everyone for your help with the diagnosis. [emoji106]

Cheers
Dan