Recently had my Defender serviced and it's been back 3 times, without sorting out the problem. Note, when my car went in for a service it was fine.
Symptoms:
Does not start on first crank, but usually on second (sometimes only on the third crank). If I start her within 4 hours it works on the first crank, thereafter it reverts to the above problem. There is excessive smoke on start up, which was never the case before. When I start her when she is warm there is no smoke, nor does it smoke when I am driving, i.e. only on cold starts.
Now for the kicker! If I leave her inactive for 40 hours, she again starts perfectly first time. So my problem is between 4 and 40 houts.
The mechanic said that the only thing he can think of is that the fuel pump is not functioning properly, i.e. the return valve does not keep the fuel in the line. He said I must bleed her before I start, and if she cranks first time then it is definitely the fuel pump. I tried this (twice) but the problem persists, so I don't think it is the fuel pump. In any case it would have been a major coincidence if the fuel pump goes while the car is being serviced!
They have also tried the following:
1. Checked glow plugs
2. Checked that both plugs at the air box were fitted back on
3. Checked that the relays under passenger seat aren't loose
4. Checked that injectors have been replaced in their original positions
Anything else?
I would appreciate it if you could advise how to resolve this.
Thank you
Symptoms:
Does not start on first crank, but usually on second (sometimes only on the third crank). If I start her within 4 hours it works on the first crank, thereafter it reverts to the above problem. There is excessive smoke on start up, which was never the case before. When I start her when she is warm there is no smoke, nor does it smoke when I am driving, i.e. only on cold starts.
Now for the kicker! If I leave her inactive for 40 hours, she again starts perfectly first time. So my problem is between 4 and 40 houts.
The mechanic said that the only thing he can think of is that the fuel pump is not functioning properly, i.e. the return valve does not keep the fuel in the line. He said I must bleed her before I start, and if she cranks first time then it is definitely the fuel pump. I tried this (twice) but the problem persists, so I don't think it is the fuel pump. In any case it would have been a major coincidence if the fuel pump goes while the car is being serviced!
They have also tried the following:
1. Checked glow plugs
2. Checked that both plugs at the air box were fitted back on
3. Checked that the relays under passenger seat aren't loose
4. Checked that injectors have been replaced in their original positions
Anything else?
I would appreciate it if you could advise how to resolve this.
Thank you