Trouble Starting (CDTI 75)

[DaylightRovery]

Afternoon all. 3 weeks ago my cdti refused to start. AA called and couldnt find a fault as mysteriously it started to work jalf way through his diagnostic check. I took it to garage and it worked perfectly.
Basically i have to turn it over (and it does so without struggling) and pray it fires up. sooo...
It's been behaving since however this morning it started playing funny buggers again. Got it going eventually, filled with diesel at garage aaaand playing up again.

The only constant seems to be when its rained for a few days it struggles to start and its don that alot latelly. I cycle to work so its not unusual for the car to sit for 3 or 4 days untouched.

[macafee2]

have you checked the plenum where the ecu sits for having water in it?
if it were not for the rain I'd not make the suggestion

macafee2

[DaylightRovery]

Originally Posted by macafee2

have you checked the plenum where the ecu sits for having water in it?
if it were not for the rain I'd not make the suggestion

macafee2

This being my 1st Rover the plenum chamber keeps cropping up in research. Thing is I havn't a clue what it is, what it does, and no videos that explain how to empty it. So far I've seen people sticking things in a hole??

[marinabrian]

Well what you need to do is PM me a contact number and I'll pop across and show you how to check the plenum, and I'll bring an ECM with me, just in case

Brian

[Yorkshire GOC]

The plenum chamber is the space between your engine bay and the wall of the cab -so from the drivers seat it is on your LHS - it contains your ECU . The chamber has drain holes which sometimes clog up causing the chamber to fill with water when there has been heavy/persistent rain. The ECU on a diesel is unsealed and if it gets damp/wet it can cause all sorts of problems with car including starting. You need to remove the LHS scuttle panel to access the chamber and see if the ECU/chamber is wet or evidence of a tide mark . Check that the drain holes are clear with a long screw driver. If ECU is damp worth leaving it in an airing cupboard for a day or 2 to dry it out. There are some good tutorials on You Tube showing how to access the chamber - 3 minute job. Also search the site for Plenum Mod - this allows you to clear the drain holes without removing the scuttle panel.

[macafee2]

Originally Posted by marinabrian

Well what you need to do is PM me a contact number and I'll pop across and show you how to check the plenum, and I'll bring an ECM with me, just in case

Brian

I was going to give a lengthy How To if there is not one in the How To section but Brian has made such a generous offer. It is nice to know there are still nice people out there willing to put themselves out.

Brian, I hope life treats you well

macafee2

[macafee2]

Originally Posted by Yorkshire GOC

The plenum chamber is the space between your engine bay and the wall of the cab -so from the drivers seat it is on your LHS - it contains your ECU . The chamber has drain holes which sometimes clog up causing the chamber to fill with water when there has been heavy/persistent rain. The ECU on a diesel is unsealed and if it gets damp/wet it can cause all sorts of problems with car including starting. You need to remove the LHS scuttle panel to access the chamber and see if the ECU/chamber is wet or evidence of a tide mark . Check that the drain holes are clear with a long screw driver. If ECU is damp worth leaving it in an airing cupboard for a day or 2 to dry it out. There are some good tutorials on You Tube showing how to access the chamber - 3 minute job. Also search the site for Plenum Mod - this allows you to clear the drain holes without removing the scuttle panel.

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID001775

see item 1 in the link, remove the near side 3 or 4 items marked 7 with a small screw driver lever them up.
if you lose of break them they can be replaced

remove item 3. under item 3 is a plastic cover held in place I think by 1 screw and hooks under item 1 above/ Bit fidly but remove it. underneath is the pollen filter and in a plastic "box" your ECU. Look down may need a torch past the pollen filter, if you see water think yourself lucky to have a Rover 75 and someone like Brian about.


Standing at the front of the car, roughly by the left hand front of the pollen filter is the ECU, the brains of the car. You need a rod 1/4? inch thick and strong so it does not bend. you will need to probe around for the drain hole
which may be in a bit from the corner, once located rod it so it is clear, most of the water if there is any will pour out. There should be a rubber drain tube in the hole, if you push it out replace it. Some members have cut a bit off the end of the tube to help stop it blocking up.

clear or not, do this 2 or 3 times a year particularly after and before summer.

if it is the ECU it is probably the easiest thing to fix... for Brian.

good luck

macafee2

[DaylightRovery]

Whey the AA are here. will start with easy start but soon dies. He cant hear fuel pump running but neither could past AA gadgy. *Sigh* gonna be for sale soon i reckon.

[slovcan]

Originally Posted by DaylightRovery

Whey the AA are here. will start with easy start but soon dies. He cant hear fuel pump running but neither could past AA gadgy. *Sigh* gonna be for sale soon i reckon.

???? Really? Brian made you an incredibly generous offer. You'd rather sell than have a possible easy fix without even getting your hands dirty?

[Mike Noc]

We'll of course you could sell it, or you can give Brian your phone number and he will sort it for you.

I know what I would choose, and it doesn't involve an advert.