Thread: 92 Disco won't start

Has it got fuel?, even if the tank is full is it lifting to the motor. Thats the first thing to check, if you have a timing light stick it on to check for spark, otherwise pull a plug (or do it to a few) and hold the thread of the plug against the motor while the lead is connected, get somone to hit the key and see if it is sparking.

Cheers
Will

By the way, what i said is just the basics, the timing could be out etc, but i'd check them first.

Well, it's a '92 Discovery 3.5 V8 I presume, with the Lucas distributor and amplifier stuck to the side of the dissy.

First thing first, can you hear the fuel pump? It should sound when you first turn on the ignition and for about 1 second after you stop cranking. Have someone operate the key and listen at the open fuel cap if necessary. No pump = no go. Kicking the fuel tank bottom can sometimes restart a failing pump.

Next thing to check for will be a lack of spark strength. This is a common problem with the Lucas distributor, I have replaced many Lucas ignition amplifiers with Bosch ones. Insert a paper clip in the ignition coil top and arrange a 1/2 inch gap to the metal of the body. Crank and look for a strong spark. Details of amplifier replacement in this thread:

Lucas ignition amplifier replacement by Bosch 024

WD40 is not a cure-all for ignition woes. If there's moisture around your dissy, take the cap off, clean it outside and inside with a dry cotton cloth. A nice shine is best, helps to not attract more moisture. Any beaded moisture inside the cap will have come from splashed water and will have to dry out. A hair dryer can help too. Also clean around the plug insulators if the lead boots aren't a tight fit on the plugs.

thanks guys I'll check those out when i get a chance in the light.. they all sound like things that hopefully I should be able to sort out myself.. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress....once again thanks for all your advice and help

Hey guys tried most of those things... the engine is still trying to turn over and there is a clicking sound after it fails to turn over..... any further help?

Sounds more like a flat battery now, get someone with jumper leads or a battery charger to drop by. Your alternator may have failed and you have simply run out of battery power. Did you have a funny little red light on the dash the last few days?

Once you have the battery charged check the voltage at the battery with the engine running at fast idle. it should be around 14 volts.

When you say trying to turn over, is it slow to turn and then stops with the clicking sound? If so, my tip is the battery or battery connections.

As for when it is running and running poorly, then dying, it turned out to be the alternator.

See if you can get both tested to assist with the diagnosis.

I've got a '91 V8, so know what it can be like - still after 11 years I ain't selling it

Good luck!

Matt.

Hey guys I've tried ost things now..the car turns over but makes a thumping sound from under it when i try to start it... the clicking has stopped