Help please had my Defender serviced about a month ago and all been fine but 3 or 4 times recently when it has stood a couple of days on the first turn of the key it did not start which is very unusual send turn it reluctantly catches on and goes. Something brewing here to me it seems like fuel is there anything that could be leaking diesel or maybe air, it’s fine after this and only when left a couple of days. Any idea would be gratefully received
Dr Strangeglove
Well-Known Member
My 300tdi had starting issues but in my case it was the battery that did not have enough umpf due to age.
However, during my search for possible causes I came across a few suggestions that it could be the fuel return lines. Apparently they can quite easily perish and let air in, and relatively inexpensive for the pipe to replace them.
I am not sure how to go about it as the new battery cured my problem, but it may be worth you doing a search.
However, during my search for possible causes I came across a few suggestions that it could be the fuel return lines. Apparently they can quite easily perish and let air in, and relatively inexpensive for the pipe to replace them.
I am not sure how to go about it as the new battery cured my problem, but it may be worth you doing a search.
Hicap phill
Well-Known Member
If you have the cotton covered spill pipe between the injectors check that. They perish & let air in but no diesel out 
payydg
Well-Known Member
The symptoms of air ingress are having to turn it over a good few times on the starter if it’s been left a while. Check fuel return pipes, then lift pump, then fuel lines in that order.
