Erratic running 2.7TD

[somem]

Hi, my maverick has been a bit temperamental over the last 6 months or so, and as problem is erratic I often think it’s fixed, only for the problem to reoccur!
Having changed fuel and air filters (some improvement) and searched for mini filter (wasn’t there!!) it still runs rough on & off. It occasional stalls (honest not my driving) and struggles to restart. I have had glow plugs out and they look rough so have ordered some new ones, but yet to fit.
Yes clouds of smoke on start up but runs pretty clean, but this morning after running for 20 mins or so hiccupped and a cloud of smoke, then run rough until work. On way home this evening wanted to stall every time I slowed – having the choke out helps but does not always prevent it from stalling.
I had a recon gearbox and new clutch last summer, and pub talk got us wondering if the fuel pump timing could have been altered during refit of gearbox?
Any ideas would be much appreciated.

 

[extreme-4x4]

damaged or leaking fuel line... whats it like for starting cold ?

 

[somem]

Poor starting from cold, hoping new glow plugs will help but given other hiccups not so sure!

 

[extreme-4x4]

try your fuel lines. check you have a good seal on fuel filter. you could also drain water from filter while your there .

any smells or oily stains around engine or underside or injectors ? of diesel

 

[Hilltop]

Hi, my maverick has been a bit temperamental over the last 6 months or so, and as problem is erratic I often think it’s fixed, only for the problem to reoccur!
Having changed fuel and air filters (some improvement) and searched for mini filter (wasn’t there!!) it still runs rough on & off. It occasional stalls (honest not my driving) and struggles to restart. I have had glow plugs out and they look rough so have ordered some new ones, but yet to fit.
Yes clouds of smoke on start up but runs pretty clean, but this morning after running for 20 mins or so hiccupped and a cloud of smoke, then run rough until work. On way home this evening wanted to stall every time I slowed – having the choke out helps but does not always prevent it from stalling.
I had a recon gearbox and new clutch last summer, and pub talk got us wondering if the fuel pump timing could have been altered during refit of gearbox?
Any ideas would be much appreciated.

It's a 2.7td (Diesel) theres no choke on this engine, the knob you playing with is a hand throttle! the 2.7TD (not on 2.7TDi) Will have the mini fillter in the inlet to the injection pump. see downloads for info on removal and cleaning.

 

[somem]

Thanks for clarification on choke! I had followed the download previously for the minifilter, was fishing around about 3 inches down and could not find the filter - equally not fixed to the inlet pipe. Can't find any obvious diesel leaks - did replace filter with after market one, but have bought a Nissan one to fit. Glowplugs arrived today - probably wont fit until the weekend. Car didnt stutter today, but as smokey while driving (blue/grey).

 

[extreme-4x4]

egr valve or air in fuel line

 

[somem]

I should stick to day job!!!! Mav struggled to start this morning coughing & spluttering. Left it all day and this evening replaced glowplugs (no different) and changed fuel filter for proper nissan one. Now it hardly ticks over with plumes of white smoke out the back. Out of interest I disconnected what I think is the EGR valve but no difference... If this is air in fuel why has new filter made such a difference? Any favourite places to look or do I bit the bullet and get a mechanic to look at it??? I wish I understood cards

 

[somem]

I mean cars!

 

[Toolbox]

Sounds a bit like fuel starvation, try pumping the hand primer on the top of the fuel filter with engine running and see if it improves.

Are you absolutely sure there is no mini filter in the injection pump inlet?
Have you checked your fuel lines back to the fuel tank, especially over the rear axle? May not show a leak but a pin prick in a rusty patch will draw air

 

[extreme-4x4]

if new filter has made so much difference for the worse. id say your looking at fuel line into or around the new filter.

did you tighten everything looks like you moved something today thats leaking

 

[Toolbox]

Just to add there should have been no need to be anywhere near the injection pump or any need to touch it at all when changing the gearbox, so very doubtful they would have altered the timing.

 

[somem]

I shall have a look tomorrow - hopefully in daylight! Been thinking about the rubber pipes into the fuel filter, might have twisted one or it might collapsed inside??

 

[somem]

Had a quick look (without lying in the snow!) cannot see any damaged pipes or leaks. Checked the pipes into the filter, clamps were tight, have removed one to get replacements tomorrow in the hope they are the problem. Filter seems tight enough, no give by hand or evidence of leaks. Qu: when fitting the fuel filter should you lubricate the rubber seal with diesel or not?

 

[extreme-4x4]

yes.... some leaks you might not see as leaks,
often it will let air in but not loose any diesel.
ideally you need to squeeze , flex and bend pipes and look for splits or perished bits

 

[somem]

Sorted! I hadn't tightened the drainplug into the bottom of the filter properly, soon burst into life and is now purring like a kitten! Thanks for all your help!!

 

[extreme-4x4]

glad we could help.



best of all you spent the time to let us know. that way we can build up a profile of problems and causes etc