TD5 defender 90 cold start problem

Cold starting has gradually become worse in the last few weeks. Prior to this the fuel pump was noisy so this was renewed and new glo plugs were fitted. The engine just turns without success and it has been sometimes 12/15 turns of the key before it fired mostly with the accelerator flat on the floor. Once the engine fires it is ok and it starts fine when warm with just the turn of the key. Leave it for 6 hours and there is the same starting problem. I have primed the system in case there is any air there. What's my next option? Injector seal washers? Battery? Or could it be electrical - ecu or temperature sensor? Someone said to me a worn dual mass flywheel could be causing a starting problem. Any suggestions? Thanks.

i would suggest doing a introduction of yourself first before all the bigger users come along,
try putting a fuel pressure gauge on the regulator and checking that you are getting 4 bar of pressure,when your cranking the engine put your head towards the back and listen to see if there is any air in the system

Make sure your battery and earth straps and starter are all tip top, td5 do not like cold damp winters.

Thanks for your replies, we are taking your advices and checking other fuel/injector related things as well to try and solve the problem. The annoying thing is its not every time that its a problem starting but more often than not. After initial start up this morning it then fired up at the turn of the key.

had the same with my td5 90, when it was really cold some times would start others times not, i took the starter off replaced the solenoid connectors and cleaned the carbon bushs and made sure they moved freely, put it back on and no problems since thatr was two winters ago. this is the kit. LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SERIES 2 TD5 2.5 DIESEL STARTER MOTOR REPAIR KIT 1998 - 04 | eBay

I hope we have found the answer to the problem. The new fuel pump is just as noisy as the old one and cold starting has involved priming the system. Today a new fuel filter housing etc was fitted and the immediate difference was no prolonged noise from the pump and immediate starting at the turn of the key. I hope all will be ok in the morning - if not I will let you know!

All is ok, started from cold with just the turn of the key.

So if anyone has cold start problems on their TD5 Defender, it could be the filter housing that is the problem - one of many possibilities but an easy one to resolve.

The fuel pump, although a new replacement, was whining as much as the old one. Now however it is very quiet in comparison.

I hope this short reply helps all friends out there with maybe a similar issue that needs fixing.

Dd you by any chance but a britpart fuel pump?

Hi, it is an OEM spec pump, unsure of model no. Hope this helps. Regards john.