Turns over but she doesnt start....

ellsy66 · Unread post by **ellsy66** » 08 Oct 2011, 11:47

My Xantia has decided not to start but....I think it could be the fuel pump but not 100% sure.
When you turn ignition key to lights the hum you normally hear when this happens is no longer there (over the last few days the hum has been a few tones lower than normal, like it's failing) and then when you turn key to start it just turns over with out firing.

Please help !!

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 08 Oct 2011, 11:56

Give us a clue about what engine the car has

ellsy66 · Unread post by **ellsy66** » 08 Oct 2011, 11:57

Sure, it's the 2.0 HDi 110bhp

Unread post by **myglaren** » 08 Oct 2011, 13:44

Sounds as though the lift pump in the tank has died.

Give the bottom of the tank a swift kick or bash with a bit of wood.
Sometimes revives them (temporarily).

Ideally detach the feed pipe from the fuel filter, get something to catch any diesel that might flow into and turn the key (better, get an assistant to turn the key) no diesel - dead lift pump.

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 08 Oct 2011, 14:24

myglaren wrote:Ideally detach the feed pipe from the fuel filter, get something to catch any diesel that might flow into and turn the key (better, get an assistant to turn the key) no diesel - dead lift pump.

Hmm, not sure that's necessary Steve as it'll pump out loads of fuel, if the pump is working you should be able to hear it operating prior to the engine starting, you can also look for the filter housing to swell when the pump operates as it pumps at something like 2 Bar. As Steve says thumping the tank will normally get the pump running.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 08 Oct 2011, 14:36

Agreed, it does shove a lot of fuel through when it is working - as I discovered when the filter housing lid worked loose

Nothing to catch it in on that occasion so the engine got a wash in diesel.

ellsy66 · Unread post by **ellsy66** » 09 Oct 2011, 08:40

Thanks very much i'll give that a shot today!

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 09 Oct 2011, 10:43

bash the tank with a lump of wood!!!!

wood nt you risck damaging the fuel sender and or pick up useing this method, as the tank is only plastic,

regards malcolm

Unread post by **myglaren** » 09 Oct 2011, 11:11

citronut wrote:bash the tank with a lump of wood!!!!

wood nt you risck damaging the fuel sender and or pick up useing this method, as the tank is only plastic,

regards malcolm

SOP - you don't have to try and destroy the tank, just a bit of impact to kick the pump off.
AA/RAC approved

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 09 Oct 2011, 13:02

A full blown hammer with a pair of these should get something going and Malcolm.

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 09 Oct 2011, 13:11

They look like hair extensions.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 09 Oct 2011, 13:27

i think if you had a pair of those you probably would not be worried about the car not startting

regards malcolm

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 09 Oct 2011, 13:43

She failed the MOT, anyhow. Holes in the bodywork near mounting points, and no high beams.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 09 Oct 2011, 14:32

Cor

She's a bit of a cracker...

She could crack my balljoints any time she wanted....