Thread: V8 taking longer to start

Could be a lazy fuel pump. Possibly old spark plugs. Leaking injectors causing overly rich mixture on startup.

Sorry bit of background....pump was only replaced 2weeks ago. Plugs are 3000km old and injectors I couldnt tell you but had major service 3000km ago.

Rez

which engine?
normally the v8 starts within a few seconds.
if you switch the key to the on position, without turning to start, you can hear the pump in the tank run and stop. it takes about 1 to 2 seconds, so that eliminates fuel supply problems.
so my guess would be the ignition module, or coil.
i also had a dodgy connector to the coil, the connector was broken in the insulation, but felt ok when pushing it on or taking it off.
of course the voltage to the module and coil needs to be good, so if you have a starting battery that is low you can expect problems.
if the pump noise is not there, try depressurising the fuel rail [3.9 engine] and then listen for the pump. [3,9 has a shraeder valve on the right side if the plenum in the fuel rail, push the valve like letting a tyre down, until all the pressure is gone then turn the key to on, you should hear the pump, if it works, go the ignition system]
happy holiday

I think that sometimes a leaking fuel pressure regulator is to blame for this.
I have just bought a new one form LRdirect which took forever to get here.

I the meantime try to prime the rail twice before attempting start ie turn ign on, listen for click after 3 seconds, turn off then on and wait until click again , then start.
My 92 RRC will then start almost first cylinder.

I hope to change mine next week if I get time.
Regards Philip A

Its a 97 model 3.9lt

A blocked or clogged fuel filter will cause this too.

Originally Posted by Rezley

Its a 97 model 3.9lt

so where are you rezley?
i don't think a leakin fuel pressure regulator will be the problem,
when i had problems, i contacted the major spares supplier for land rover, they had only sold two regs.

my starting problems were never much of an issue, but the intermittent stopping was.
finally tracked down to the plug on the top of the fuel pump being a poor connection, so maybe you are suffering the early stages of that,
it's a long story as to how i eventually cornered the answer to the problem, but
go to the pump connector, and look for any signs of heat or arcing, black brass terminals.
to find the plug, first unload the luggage in the rear,
under the carpet about in the center of the load space, there is a round panel, unscrew this and you will see the top of the tank and the plug for the pump and fuel gauge.
just pop the connector off and look closely at the terminals, both in the connector and the white plastic pump housing, they should all be nice and bright, no black.
two terminals work the fuel gauge and the other two run the pump.

what time are you leaving in the morning?

when i finally confirmed the fault, i was on a trip a long way from home, buying a soldering iron and solder tricked it into lasting until i got home.

Thanks for all the ideas, I'll have to look at pump terminals if it gets worse. Not leaving till tomorrow night after work. Will also try priming pump instead of turning key straight away without waiting.

Cheers,

Rez