Thread: sad disco doesn't like starting

Originally Posted by andyncill

Hi guys, after some advice with my V8 95 Disco.....
Purchased it around 3mths ago as a project & have been slowly nutting our way through oil leaks, broken this, not operating that......
Now having a problem with it starting. It is cranking over but struggling to start. The odd thing is its only doing it sometimes. There are times it will start straight away & others where it really struggles & there seems to be no pattern to it.
Have ruled out the starter motor, battery & fuel pump. Have replaced plugs, leads, fuel filter, dizzy cap.
After following the fuel lines have come up to the fuel pressure regulator. The vacuum pipe is connected to the regulator but not connected to anything on the other end, looked through rave & cannot see where it connects to so I guess the question is does the pipe connect anywhere or does it just hang there?
Also any other thoughts as to what it might be? Can't seem to find a good LR mechanic in the area so we are pretty much doing all ourselves.
Thanks in advance for any info, really appreciate it.

Hi Andy,

That vac line goes to a port(tube) sticking out the back of the plenum chamber, just next to/ almost under the adapter plate for the idle stepper motor. Stick your fingers around the back and you'll feel it.
I dare say that the intermittent starting fault could be a poor earth to the distributor and module. Next time it fails to start, disconnect the coil lead at the dist cap and sit it on top of the engine while cranking. There should be a big fat blue coloured cracking spark to earth. If it is weak and orange looking, run a temporary earth connection between the distributor body and the battery neg, and try it again. Of course, the ignition module could also be on the way out, but it is difficult to determine this without a complete failure, or by replacing it and not having the fault reappear

JC

That sounds so like a battery going dead. Might have dropped a cell!!!

First thing I did with my V8, check age on batt. If over 2 years there lies your problem, the heat under the hood is a killer, get a newy and check the alternator whilst you there.

Best of luck.

This sounds like the typical failure of the ignition module on the side of the distributor - simply replace it - about $100 at non dealer parts suppliers.

Garry