I've recently purchased a 1991 LHD Discovery V8 3.5 EFI. I've had the car about a week now and 3 mornings I've had problems starting it. The engine turns over fine and trys to fire but doesn't. Removing several spark plugs I found they were soaked in petrol, so were obviously flooded. I checked they were sparking, which they were and put them back in.
I eventually manage to start the disco by turning the engine over with the throttle fully depressed and continually cranking over the engine. After flattening the battery twice the car eventually went.
Going back through the bills the disco has recently had new sparks plugs, coil, throttle position sensor, rotor arm and dizzy cap, so this has obviously been an ongoing problem that still hasn't been solved.
I believe all 1991 onwards 3.5 EFI discos were fitted with Lucas hotwire ignition systems.
I would appreciate any help anyone can offer on this problem as I think it might be quite a common one.
Regards,
Simon.

I have got a 92 3.5 e.f.i. never had starting problems.I understand that fuel injection engines should be started with no throttle,giving it wide open throttle increses air thus drying out your flooded spark plug and allowing engine to start.It does sound like you have a fueling problem.hope this helps.

Hi Simon,

I'm from Canada and have a 4.0L V8i Disco which has fuel injection. I agree with Dean that no throttle should be required. Might want to check that your fuel pump is not faulty. Also, does it only do this during certain temperatures? If so, might want to check and see if your fuel temp sensor or your engine coolant temp sensor is not faulty. These sensors are both very inexpensive so not a fruitless effort.

If you're experiencing occasional cold start problems (the vehicle will not start when the engine is cold) you may have to replace your fuel temperature sensor. This sensor may be giving your engine too much or too little fuel, resulting in a poor start - or not start at all! Replace your fuel temperature sensor and see if that doesn't help.

Problem solved. A new rotor arm was fitted and so far I've not experienced any further problems. Apparently some rotor arms are renowned for being faulty, so if anyone ever has a problem, this is an easy and cheap first solution!