Astermagik
New Member
Fellas,
I've been involved in a major saga with my defender for the last few weeks and am desperate for help.
It started 2 weeks ago when I decided to change the timing belt on the 200TDi 110 which I bought in June. Importantly, the vehicle was running perfectly at this time.
I stripped it down with one or 2 hiccups along the way, but nothing significant (tight bolts etc). In the end, the old belt was as near to perfect as it could have been, but in the process it preparing the engine for removing the old belt, I found something that I didn't like on the injector pump. Since I'm preparing for a overland trip, I thought I'd better get it checked. Before I took the belt off, I set the engine to TDC and other timing points were all perfectly spot on.
I removed the pump and decided to do the injectors at the same time, so I tried to get them out, but only 2 came out. I didn't want to force the other 2, so I left them (since the car was running ok anyway). It turned out the problem I thought I found on the pump was a non-issue and it was otherwise fine - they just calibrated it. The injectors were, apparently, shagged so they were reconditioned.
I then re-assembled the injectors, pump and timing belt. The timing had not changed (I was paranoid about it and made sure nothing moved during the time it was apart) and, when I put the new belt on, the timing was (still) PERFECT. I followed the double tensioning procedure to the letter and double checked the timing. Still perfect. I then re-assembled everything else. I set about getting the system bled and that went fine. I then tried to start the car. And have been trying to do so for a week since. It simply will not start. It's not even trying - not 3 or 2 or even 1 cylinder. And no smoke either.
I've checked the following:
1. Fuel present in each injector (loosened each union at the top)
2. Solenoid working (otherwise the fuel wouldn't be present in no 1 above)
3. Fuel pressure available - removed an injector and the 'puff' was there.
4. Timing still spot on - removed the inspection cover and timing pin fitted into the injector pump timing hole spot on at TDC.
5. Engine starts and runs on 'quick start' sprayed into air intake so cam timing must still be ok. (engine dies as soon as the quick start runs out).
I've really run out of ideas. Is there something I've missed? What else could be wrong?
I would appreciate the names of any decent diesel mechs in NW London (like hens teeth apparently). I can't even take the car to someone - it's a flatbed job as it stands!
PS: My definition of perfect timing is:
1) timing pin inserted into flywheel for perfect TDC
2) camshaft sprocket 'dot' spot onto arrow on rear cover
3) Injector pump timing pin fully inserted
I've been involved in a major saga with my defender for the last few weeks and am desperate for help.
It started 2 weeks ago when I decided to change the timing belt on the 200TDi 110 which I bought in June. Importantly, the vehicle was running perfectly at this time.
I stripped it down with one or 2 hiccups along the way, but nothing significant (tight bolts etc). In the end, the old belt was as near to perfect as it could have been, but in the process it preparing the engine for removing the old belt, I found something that I didn't like on the injector pump. Since I'm preparing for a overland trip, I thought I'd better get it checked. Before I took the belt off, I set the engine to TDC and other timing points were all perfectly spot on.
I removed the pump and decided to do the injectors at the same time, so I tried to get them out, but only 2 came out. I didn't want to force the other 2, so I left them (since the car was running ok anyway). It turned out the problem I thought I found on the pump was a non-issue and it was otherwise fine - they just calibrated it. The injectors were, apparently, shagged so they were reconditioned.
I then re-assembled the injectors, pump and timing belt. The timing had not changed (I was paranoid about it and made sure nothing moved during the time it was apart) and, when I put the new belt on, the timing was (still) PERFECT. I followed the double tensioning procedure to the letter and double checked the timing. Still perfect. I then re-assembled everything else. I set about getting the system bled and that went fine. I then tried to start the car. And have been trying to do so for a week since. It simply will not start. It's not even trying - not 3 or 2 or even 1 cylinder. And no smoke either.
I've checked the following:
1. Fuel present in each injector (loosened each union at the top)
2. Solenoid working (otherwise the fuel wouldn't be present in no 1 above)
3. Fuel pressure available - removed an injector and the 'puff' was there.
4. Timing still spot on - removed the inspection cover and timing pin fitted into the injector pump timing hole spot on at TDC.
5. Engine starts and runs on 'quick start' sprayed into air intake so cam timing must still be ok. (engine dies as soon as the quick start runs out).
I've really run out of ideas. Is there something I've missed? What else could be wrong?
I would appreciate the names of any decent diesel mechs in NW London (like hens teeth apparently). I can't even take the car to someone - it's a flatbed job as it stands!
PS: My definition of perfect timing is:
1) timing pin inserted into flywheel for perfect TDC
2) camshaft sprocket 'dot' spot onto arrow on rear cover
3) Injector pump timing pin fully inserted
