Starting issue

[mcrichie]

G'day veterans, regulars and newbies. Have not tried forums before as my internet signal is only available if i stand outside with my laptop and use my phone as modem. Live in the bush, westside of Mt. Warning, nth NSW.
Used to be good area for fourbees, but now only accessible for trail biking.
Anyway I have never had any starting issues with my 2006 D22 Nav ZD3L, but yesterday I went to kick it over and it started fine and cut out after a second or 2, then would kick over after that.
Starter motor is fine, battery is fine, checked all fuses and wiring, glow plugs seem normal. Seems like a fuel issue....injectors, fuel pump?
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Rich

 

[Dave]

Welcome mate.

Check your primer mate. How many pumps does it take until the plunger is hard ?

 

[mcrichie]

Thnks Dave. I am a bit unfamilar with some diesel engine components. Am used to tinkering with petrol carby ones. Where is fuel pump primer on ZD engine.

 

[Dave]

Its the black handle above the fuel filter.

 

[Old.Tony]

I'd be guessing a small leak on the suction side of the pump too. Check that primer. If you can squeeze it for ages (in the morning) then your fuel lines are cracked or have been overclamped and pinched, or the fuel filter has a leaky seal.

 

[mcrichie]

Primer took half a dozen pumps till hard. Still no change to starting issue though. I had loosened off 1 of the injector pipes and fuel dribbled out after trying to kick it over on my lonesome. All fuel lines seem to be in excellent condition.
Could something in the electrics or computer??? As first mentioned there has been zero previous issues before kicking it over on Friday when it started within half a second as always , then cut out after 2 secs. Did not hear anything blow! It was outside during a storm on the previous day. Could it have freakishly been water got in and blew something? Ta

 

[Old.Tony]

There could be a blockage in the tank pickup or - remotely possible - there's water in the tank. Diesel floats on water, so water would enter the pickup first. You'd get a small amount of run until the water went in.

I don't know if the ZD has a water alarm or a trap. Anyone?

 

[mcrichie]

Nav started today as if nothing was ever wrong!!!! Yay. My main theory is water got into engine bay somehow during storm as it was parked uphill at the time. Anyway i may never know. Positive point is I learned a little more about diesels.
thanks heaps Dave & Tony.

 

[Dave]

I don't know if the ZD has a water alarm or a trap. Anyone?

They do. The engine light is the water indicator to.