d8 diesel will not start all of a sudden!

[ed209]

My usually reliable d8 will not start! It turns over fine, good battery and a recent starter motor so all is well there.

It must be a fuel issue, but what sould I be looking at.

I have checked the fuel cut off button, and there is no immobiliser (disconnected over 2 years ago).

Its just bizarre as it was running fine, I cleaned and hoovered it this afternoon, went out in it after but then 4 hours later, it will just not start!!

Must be something simple eh??

[steve_earwig]

That's a bit of a bugger You didn't wash under the bonnet did you?

[ed209]

No just the outside, I went out in it after the clean up too and it was fine!

I am really quite puzzled

[steve_earwig]

How long does corrosion take to form? It's just someone recently said they steam cleaned under their bonnet and I was thinking that would be a mistake with the amount of electronics lurking under the bonnets on these cars.

I feel for you as I would be completely stumped too, floundering about like I hadn't got a clue. I suppose it's diagnostics time (mobile?) but I'd start by looking about for anything apparent: is there 12v getting to the glowplugs, check connectors on everything electronic I can get my mitts on, is the timing belt still there, (carefully!) loosen of a fuel union and see if it pees diesel. What about your immobiliser "modification"?

[mjb]

Check the relay pack(s) in the ECU box - make sure it's connected securely. Can you hear the fuel pump? Try sticking an ammeter over the glow plugs somehow?

How long does corrosion take to form? It's just someone recently said they steam cleaned under their bonnet and I was thinking that would be a mistake with the amount of electronics lurking under the bonnets on these cars.

Depends on a lot of factors like temperature, current and how much salt is present. The electronics under the bonnet will be pretty well sealed, but the weak point is the connectors which can easily fill with water and short, or rust causing intermittent faults. Steam/jet cleaning is a sure way to introduce water to them! If you want to use water to clean under the bonnet, you should be ok as long as it's just poured on carefully. When I get around to using some de-greaser to clean up under my engine cover, I'll likely use a 500ml pop bottle of water to wash it off, using it as sparingly and carefully as I can.

[ed209]

Thanks for your help guys, the problem is sorted

On checking for supply at the glow plugs I found a short to earth! A jubilee clip had slid down the oil breather pipe and settled nicely on one of the glow plugs, causing a short between the connecter and the engine block!!

Removed the clip and bingo, very happy

[puggy]

well done you !!

[steve_earwig]

Yipee!

[teamster1975]

Well done ed209! Good troubleshooting!

[ed209]

cheers guys