TD5 starting issue

Hi,
I’m Charlie with a TD5 defender 2002, owned since 2003 200k miles passed recently, I’m not a mechanic so rely on local garage to advise, but having a dilemma can’t get to bottom of, hoping for some guidance before I make wrong decision.

3 months back began not starting first time but seemed to settle down, around that time the fuel filter started leaking so Garage replaced it, straight away I became aware of squelching sound when fuel pump starts up and is a lot noisier and noticeable than ever before during running.

Then I started to have to depress throttle to floor to get it started as it wouldn’t start without doing that.

The garage replaced the injector seals, glow plugs, fitted a new starter motor, battery, fuel-pressure regulator and air flow meter but still wouldnt fire first time, although now I can start it without depressing throttle to floor , but it takes a good while before it fires up, although new starter gives it a real kick

The garage now want to replace the rear fuel pump, (not the injector pump)

I’m just wondering if I need to get a second opinion and get help from specialists here as I’m not sure if they are clutching at straws, is that pump change a sensible logical step?

Appologies if this is long winded

Any guidance much appreciated

Take a look at this video from 'Vehicle Repair Toolbox'. Looks like there is some basic diagnostics that can be done before start splashing more cash. I have a 2002 TD5 90 - no nice fuel pump access point as shown in the video - previous owner had neatly cut a hole in the floor and riveted the plate back in - very helpful.

I’ll pop down the garage tomorrow and get a full list of all the tests they have actually done and get some more info here, many thanks for the link...

I would not go back there, they just seem to change bits in the hope of curing the problem without actually diagnosing what the problem is, resulting in a lot of un-necessary cost to you.

Hi the fuel pump could be the culprit, this is the problem with td5s when they don’t like cold starting it’s hard to find whats causing it

I forgot to mention this only happens first thing in the morning, once it starts it’s 100% fine all day !

What condition is the fuel filter head in? They can go porous.There's an air bleed valve inside as well which can cause problems. Google is your friend

does it start better with more or less fuel in the tank?

The whole fuel filter and head was all changed
I haven’t noticed about the fuel level, I’ll run it down and test that in stages
It’s booked in for a new pump 1st Feb, so trying to cover all angles before that
Otherwise it’s 5th mortgage time
Problem is I only get one chance a day to test things as ones it starts it’s perfect all day

Garage have done all the pressure tests at the FPR and checked injectors are providing correct numbers, all checks out fine, so appears just left with pump option I guess

Maybe a re spray will do the trick

If the fuel pump doesn’t improve things, before you spend any more of your hard earned cash get an electronic compression test done