r/SeriesLandRover • u/rc-mini12 • 4d ago

Starting issue

Having trouble getting my 12j swapped 3 series started, bought it from someone who had it sitting for a few years, bled the system, bypassed the ignition for the injection pump solenoid and fuel is getting to the injection lines, I know it’s not a great idea, but it does kick with a spray of ether, any ideas? Any help appreciated!

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2

u/Jubkey182 4d ago

Sounds like the injectors arent firing. You can take them out to test into bottles, sometimes you can shock them with a probe. If they dont come back around get them cleaned unless theyre easy to get replacements. It fires on ether because youre bypassing the injectors through the air intake

2

u/potatoduino 4d ago

Is the battery in good condition? A diesel which is turning over slowly will always be a bitch to start.  Tow start it!

1

u/rc-mini12 4d ago

Battery is good

2

u/ForgotTheLandingGear 4d ago

Not sure where you’re located but if it’s cold where you are make sure the glow plugs are working! If you’re in the UK right now that probably won’t matter haha!

1

u/JCDU 4d ago

In the green bible there's a whole section on troubleshooting non-starting, I can't imagine the 12j is much different to the 2.25 in terms of things that could be wrong.

1

u/smithysshed '73 88 Petrol, '79 109 TDi with PTO welder 2d ago

Try the obvious stuff first (eg fuel filter, pump bleed screw, mesh strainer in the tank pick up tube) but once you've ran out of ideas have a look at the timing belt. Might be worth replacing it anyway, they're a short change interval, and I've seen it a couple of times where folk have the timing completely wrong after a change, which would give the symptoms you have