GTD lack of power -> non-starter -> Sad Jay

[Jay]

It first started on the M40 heading south. I lost acceleration and could not keep the speed up (loss of power), I pulled over to the hard shoulder, car was still running. So sat there thinking wtf happened, as I'm new to the GTD I wouldn't have any ideas on what to look for, so I started on my way again (strangely there was acceleration), there was still not as much power as normal though. This happened again, I pulled over to the hard shoulder I switched the car off, took a few DEEP breathes as I had the missus saying WTF's happening and making me more stressed, told her to shut it, took a few more breathes, started car again  and carried on our way with lack of power.

We eventually got to the A34 and had the same problem not long after joining it. I pulled over to the hard shoulder (or lack of) and the car cut out when I tried pulling away again, so told the missus to take the kiddie up the path and to get away from the road. I tried starting it, but it only tried to turn over and couldn't start up. At that point not know anything about how diesels operate I thought to call the rescue services.

Just been out to the car and got it started by turning the key 1 click a few times then all the way where it struggled to start but it did, then it died 5 seconds later.
When I turn the key 1 click, I have two audible clicks from the engine bay.
I couldn't find any power to the fuel pump in the engine bay so couldn't disconnect it to listen for the lift pump (in tank pump). The fuel lines are dirty and browny/orange so I can't tell if there is fuel in them as diesel is clear.



Suggestions on where to start looking please.

[Conker]

Lift pump
Fuel pump
Fuel filter
Vac pipe leak
Intake manifold gasket leak
Turbo intake has a leak
Completely blocked air filter (not likely)


Sounds fuel related to me if you can get it to start after priming the pump a few times.

[Wayne]

Lift pump or air / dirt in the system

[rubjonny]

iirc the main pump is mechanical?  i vaguely remember reading that some vag diesels have a water trap under the car, you open the drain and let it pour out till diesel starts coming out of it then close it up.

did you notice any smoke (more than usual  ) when you started to loose power?

[Jay]

Nope, no smoke at all    Well, except on start up but... V

I did notice that the choke was a bit out when I got to Leicester, I must have bumped it with my knee to something. If that had been open all the way from Wallingford to Leicester could it have caused any problems?  The choke probably caused the smoke on start up at home, because it was fine the couple of times we started her in Leics.

[Wayne]

Nope, no smoke at all    Well, except on start up but... V

I did notice that the choke was a bit out when I got to Leicester, I must have bumped it with my knee to something. If that had been open all the way from Wallingford to Leicester could it have caused any problems?  The choke probably caused the smoke on start up at home, because it was fine the couple of times we started her in Leics.

Diesel's don't have a choke, I believe that is the engine stop cable I might be wrong however.

[JC]

just been to my GTD expert.

1, no lift pump on ya GTD

2, he read your " story "  - instantly said you have put petrol in it

3,  in the engine there is a RETURN pipe around the  fuel filter area - you should be able to see fuel return back into the  feed

4, IF you fail elsewhere, and can get it up here he said he will take a look one night this week for you.

[Jay]

Cheers Chuff.

I spoke to Crazy Quiff this morning and he thinks it's the fuel solenoid valve that could be buggered, but he's not the mechanic and the mechanic  should be back tomorrow from the IOW fest.

I'll take the feed pipes off the fuel filter to see if I can smell petrol, but I'm certain I put diesel in.


Wayne, I'll have a look into that. My brother in law said it's a choke and it's in the same place...

[Wayne]

It could be your fuel cut off solenoid, no real way of testing them is the only problem.

[JC]

hit it with a hammer