XM 2.5 won't start

[endorfin]

Right replaced the solenoid and it wouldn't start, cracked one of the pipes coming out of the injector pump and turned it over and tightened it and it started almost immediately. Wouldn't start again this morning so repeated what I did with injector pipe and it started again so I'm almost certain it's down to an air leak but I can't see anything obvious.
I've replaced the fuel filter and seals as well.

[endorfin]

I'm thinking, on the day that I had to call the RAC out, that morning the car had started fine, as it had the night before. I don't think an air leak can suddenly develop between starting it in the morning and the afternoon. I think it was the solenoid and when the RAC came out and tried various things before deciding it was the solenoid he has disturbed or undid something (he forgot to connect the air intake pipe - had loss of power til I reconnected it) and this is causing the air leak.

Anyone got any ideas what it could be.

[marc61]

I'd be tempted to replace the hose from the filter to the pump with clear reinforced hose (temporarily), then you'll see if air is in there. If it is it may be best to replace all the supply and return hoses from the bulkhead.

Marc

[xmexclusive]

Hi Endorfin

Is the fuel heater bypassed or still in circuit?
Regular poor starting problem for 2.5's but I would be surprised if it had lived this long.
As well as the temporary clear pipe to look for air in fuel I stick a fuel squeeze bulb in the supply to the fuel filter.
This lets you pump up fuel and pressurises the filter.
It quickly tells you if there are any air leaks in the supply.
The pressure makes the leaks weep diesel so easy to spot.

John

[endorfin]

Will try a clear hose and a squeeze bulb. What about the tank strainer, could this cause this problem? I don't ask for any particular reason other than I've never cleared it out, in fact even though steelcity once told me how to clear it out I don't know where it is, is it under the back seat?

[endorfin]

Also how can I tell if the fuel heater has been bypassed or not.

[xmexclusive]

Make sure the arrow on the squeeze bulb points towards the injector pump.
Rubber supply pipe across the top just behind the Rad will go straight to the fuel filter if heater is out of circuit.
If it is still in circuit then the pipe disappears down the gearbox end of the engine with another pipe comming up to the fuel filter.
Engine bay detail picture will let us double check for you.
Self help on cutting it out (less than 20 mins) on the other forum.

John

[endorfin]

I think it has been bypassed by the looks of things, fuel pipe seems to go direct to the filter, see pic below:



The clear hose I have just put on, you can see a big air bubble in the clear hose, when you turn engine over you see the fuel going in but as soon as you stop the air bubble moves back. Could it be a seal in the fuel pump or one of the leak off pipes?

[Dieselman]

If it's just a single air bubble it won't be a problem, a stream of bubbles is a problem.

[endorfin]

I think its sorted. I gave the leak off pipes a closer look and the 4th one, the one that was most difficult to get to was covered with a sleeve and when I removed the sleeve I found it was cracked at both ends and only being held in place by the sleeve. The leak off pipe itself is solid and brittle, has no flexibility at all and will snap if you try to move it. The other 3 leak off pipes seem to be newer and are flexible.

My theory is the RAC man whilst trying to find out why the car wouldn't start prior to deciding it was the stop solenoid had brushed against is and cracked it.

Have now replaced it with a Halfords leak off pipe, seems slightly too large in diameter but have now started the car, the bubble doesn't come back. Will try starting it again in an hour and see if it has been solved then remove the clear hose and replace with a new fuel hose.

Fingers crossed.