Landrover turns over but won't start!

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Randometer

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Journeying
Went overseas for 2 months, before I went I disconnected the battery.
Got back, it's cold as fck. Went to start it up, the engine seemed to start for a split second, then cut out.
Ever since then it just turns over on starting but doesn't fire up.
I'm sure the battery is charged (12.3 volts on the multi) given it's turning the engine over, but since it's not firing (even now it's a bit warmer) I'm suspecting something a bit more mechanical like a fuel pump.

Any of the gurus got any thoughts?
This is a Defender 300, the battery is about 3 yrs old and the defender is about twenty years old.
 
Went overseas for 2 months, before I went I disconnected the battery.
Got back, it's cold as fck. Went to start it up, the engine seemed to start for a split second, then cut out.
Ever since then it just turns over on starting but doesn't fire up.
I'm sure the battery is charged (12.3 volts on the multi) given it's turning the engine over, but since it's not firing (even now it's a bit warmer) I'm suspecting something a bit more mechanical like a fuel pump.

Any of the gurus got any thoughts?
This is a Defender 300, the battery is about 3 yrs old and the defender is about twenty years old.
The engine is going to take a while to warm up, as it only has the air to absorb heat from, and air isn't a very good conductor.

I suggest putting the battery on charge overnight, and giving it another spin over in the morning.

If there is any water in the fuel in your fuel system, it will have frozen the last few days, but will unfreeze in the morning. It would be a good idea to drain some fuel off from any drain points, and look at the fuel to se if there is any water.
In addition, if you have been away for two months, it is likely that most, or all, of the diesel in the tank is summer diesel, so you may have some diesel waxing as well. It might clear when the temperature is higher, or you may need to change the fuel filter element.
 
Glow plugs not working may be an issue but with a good battery 300's usually start after a bit of spinning.
More likely fuel drain back over the time it has stood. Crack open a bleed on the filter and operate lift pump until fuel runs out free of bubbles.
 
Glow plugs not working may be an issue but with a good battery 300's usually start after a bit of spinning.
More likely fuel drain back over the time it has stood. Crack open a bleed on the filter and operate lift pump until fuel runs out free of bubbles.
So, run the starter with filter tap open?
 
No, open the pipe connection [ banjo bolt ] on top of the fuel filter a couple of turns. Look down the right side of engine and find the lift pump [ Follow fuel pipe] Under the pump there is a little lever, work this lever up and down until fuel flows out free of bubbles at the filter.
 
If it's stuck shut is it easy to fix or do I need to replace?
As has been said I'd check the battery is fully charged first. You could check the connection to the stop solenoid is good electrically and check you're getting 12v from the cable. If so crack a fuel pipe joint to an injector, turn it a couple of times and see if there is any fuel visible. I think you can unscrew the plunger on the stop solenoid, but I've never needed to do it.
 
Ok, tried the battery charging which hasn't had an effect unfortunately. Tomorrow is the turn of the solenoid. If anyone has pictures, it would be much appreciated.
 
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