Motor died and I crashed - Land Rovers Only

fvbrry · 05-15-2006, 08:21 AM

I was wheelin this past Saturday and something strange happened that put me in a hairy situation. I was driving up a pretty steep trail through a wooded area. I had a LRC in front of me which made it up this steep section so I thought my D2 would do it. Well my tires where clogged with mud so they were slick. As I neared the crest of the steep section, I started spining and stopped moving forward. At that time my motor started bogging down like it was starving for fuel or air. Then it died. When it died I started sliding backward down the hill pretty fast. I slammed it into park hoping to lock the rear wheels from turning. Everything happened so fast that I forgot about pulling the e brake, but I dont think it would have slowed me. Fortunately the trail had a turn in it so I didnt slide into the LR3 behind me but slid down into the woods. All I could hear was breaking branches and breaking plastic. Finally after what felt like a 20mph slide backward and about 50 yrd I slid up onto a downed tree. Thankfully I didnt hit a tree and cave in my rear door. I broke my rear tail light and turn signal and a tree that I ran over broke my front bumber to pieces plus a few scratches. I had to be pulled out by a LR3 with a winch.

My question is what would have caused my motor to die? It never did this before that day. I noticed it once earlier that day but the first time it bogged down for a couple seconds then picked back up. Could it be the fuel pump or fuel injection, or maybe the air filter becomming clogged? Anyone have any ideas.

Disco Mike · 05-15-2006, 08:33 AM

What year is your truck and how many miles?
Did it restart and how did it run? Is your check engine light now on?
In the future, don't throw it into park, you can destroy the tranny. The e-brakewill lock the wheels especially if you had an engaged CDL.
As for what caused this to happen, that's a good question.
Let us know when you find out.
Mike

fvbrry · 05-15-2006, 08:58 AM

Its a 2000 with 108,000 miles. Yes it restarted. The starter had to crank for about two or three seconds but it ran fine after that. Check engine light never came on. I dont have a CDL and park was the first thing that came to me. I didnt have alot of time to think about what to do. I had a full tank of gas and I filled up with 87 octane, I also have a K&N filter that I cleaned about 2K miles ago. I was thinking that the cheap gas may have caused this, like trash in the line, that made the engine choke.

O.B. · 05-15-2006, 09:50 AM

Were you in high or low range? Was the transmission mode in (M) with a high gear selected? Did the engine diesel before it died? Maybe the hill was too steep and mud too thick for selected gearing, and you simply ran out of power.

Disco Mike · 05-15-2006, 09:52 AM

87 is not the way to go, and I doubt it caused the problem, but it also was one reason the engine may have run out of power. Rovers loose power and MPG on 87 octane on the road, off the road under a load, you are setting yourself up for poor performance, poor truck will run like a sick J--P.
How hard were you pushing it the first time you noticed a problem?
Mike

fvbrry · 05-15-2006, 10:23 AM

Both times I was in low range and in 3rd gear. I was running at about 2500 rpm and holding it steady and wasnt pushing it too hard as I crept up the hill. All of a sudden it started choking. Both times I was running like this. I dont think I was pushing too hard. It never dieseled just bogged down and only died the second time. Ive been running 87 for three years ever since I bought it. Every 3 or 4 tanks I put some fuel injection cleaner in it. Ive never had andy problems with 87. Plus $3 a gallon for 87 hurts. Im not loaded like some people on this site.

Disco Mike · 05-15-2006, 10:57 AM

You are not gaining anything from using 87 octane, when you factor in the lost MPG and power, much less all the internal carbon build up, you are racking up a repair that is waiting to happen.
I live in Santa Barbara, 87 is $3.60 and higher, we have alot of $4.00 stations so I know what you mean.
What additive are you using, may be time to call in the big guns?
Also, if the trail was that steep stay in 2nd gear, less chance of bogging down and loosing traction when the tranny hesitates when down shifting.
I run 4:11's in my truck and in 2nd. gear, low range, no matter how steep the hill is I never bogg down, use your lower geras, 2nd, and keep moving.
Mike

O.B. · 05-15-2006, 11:00 AM

Water in the tank maybe(?) or something was causing your engine to lean-out :dunno

fvbrry · 05-15-2006, 11:12 AM

I usually add two bottles of STP to a full tank. Also before an oil change Ive added the Prolong engine treatment to the oil and drive for a while then have the oil changed per the instructions. That helps clean out the carbon. Ive also used seafoam in the oil before an oil change so I think I keep the engine cleaned out.

Disco Mike · 05-15-2006, 11:33 AM

I would suggest you try really clean out your engine. STP is a great product for retailers to sell but isn't worth a dam.
Before you start using alot of Prolong consider really flushing out the engine, clean all the sludge and built up carbon, then stay with some good oil, filter and gas.
After flushing it would be time to reallydo an induction cleaning and see the difference a happy engine makes.
If you are interested, get back to me off line and I'll walk you thru some easy steps to a happy engine that I have learned after nearly 30 years in dealers shops as a service writer and manager.
Mike

Badger1 · 05-15-2006, 03:00 PM

I do agree with Mike about everything he has mentioned above, especially about the 87 you have been using, what is an extra $5 or so! Especially when you start looking at the prices of things like O2 sensors, cats, etc., etc.. Anyway, I would be leaning more toward the fuel starvation thing, on a hill as steep as you say. Don't remember if you mentioned if it has happened in everyday driving. When was the last time you changed out your fuel filter? Have you checked the condition of your air filter, although it would have to have plenty of clag in there to starve it out.

Disco Mike · 05-15-2006, 04:07 PM

No fuel filter on a DII and I wish there was, as bad as the gas is getting it would be nice to protect the injectors.
Mike

Badger1 · 05-15-2006, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

No fuel filter on a DII and I wish there was, as bad as the gas is getting it would be nice to protect the injectors.
Mike

WTF?!!!!!!!

Oh, wait a minute. There has to be one incorporated into the fuel pump.......

Disco Mike · 05-15-2006, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badger1

WTF?!!!!!!!

Oh, wait a minute. There has to be one incorporated into the fuel pump.......

Sure, a nylon sock but they don't do the job like a small canister fuel filter.
Mike

Badger1 · 05-15-2006, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

Sure, a nylon sock but they don't do the job like a small canister fuel filter.
Mike

Wow, that seems like a step back!

It still seems to me that the logical problem for this guy would be fuel starvation of some kind.

05-15-2006, 08:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
fvbrry Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nashville, Tn Posts: 66 Gallery: 0	Motor died and I crashed I was wheelin this past Saturday and something strange happened that put me in a hairy situation. I was driving up a pretty steep trail through a wooded area. I had a LRC in front of me which made it up this steep section so I thought my D2 would do it. Well my tires where clogged with mud so they were slick. As I neared the crest of the steep section, I started spining and stopped moving forward. At that time my motor started bogging down like it was starving for fuel or air. Then it died. When it died I started sliding backward down the hill pretty fast. I slammed it into park hoping to lock the rear wheels from turning. Everything happened so fast that I forgot about pulling the e brake, but I dont think it would have slowed me. Fortunately the trail had a turn in it so I didnt slide into the LR3 behind me but slid down into the woods. All I could hear was breaking branches and breaking plastic. Finally after what felt like a 20mph slide backward and about 50 yrd I slid up onto a downed tree. Thankfully I didnt hit a tree and cave in my rear door. I broke my rear tail light and turn signal and a tree that I ran over broke my front bumber to pieces plus a few scratches. I had to be pulled out by a LR3 with a winch. My question is what would have caused my motor to die? It never did this before that day. I noticed it once earlier that day but the first time it bogged down for a couple seconds then picked back up. Could it be the fuel pump or fuel injection, or maybe the air filter becomming clogged? Anyone have any ideas.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Land Rovers Only - Land Rover Forum Advertisement

05-15-2006, 08:33 AM	#2 (permalink)
Disco Mike Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Parker, Colorado Posts: 5,784 Gallery: 0	What year is your truck and how many miles? Did it restart and how did it run? Is your check engine light now on? In the future, don't throw it into park, you can destroy the tranny. The e-brakewill lock the wheels especially if you had an engaged CDL. As for what caused this to happen, that's a good question. Let us know when you find out. Mike

05-15-2006, 08:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
fvbrry Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nashville, Tn Posts: 66 Gallery: 0	Its a 2000 with 108,000 miles. Yes it restarted. The starter had to crank for about two or three seconds but it ran fine after that. Check engine light never came on. I dont have a CDL and park was the first thing that came to me. I didnt have alot of time to think about what to do. I had a full tank of gas and I filled up with 87 octane, I also have a K&N filter that I cleaned about 2K miles ago. I was thinking that the cheap gas may have caused this, like trash in the line, that made the engine choke.

05-15-2006, 09:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
O.B. Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 234 Gallery: 0	Were you in high or low range? Was the transmission mode in (M) with a high gear selected? Did the engine diesel before it died? Maybe the hill was too steep and mud too thick for selected gearing, and you simply ran out of power.

05-15-2006, 09:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
Disco Mike Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Parker, Colorado Posts: 5,784 Gallery: 0	87 is not the way to go, and I doubt it caused the problem, but it also was one reason the engine may have run out of power. Rovers loose power and MPG on 87 octane on the road, off the road under a load, you are setting yourself up for poor performance, poor truck will run like a sick J--P. How hard were you pushing it the first time you noticed a problem? Mike

05-15-2006, 10:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
fvbrry Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nashville, Tn Posts: 66 Gallery: 0	Both times I was in low range and in 3rd gear. I was running at about 2500 rpm and holding it steady and wasnt pushing it too hard as I crept up the hill. All of a sudden it started choking. Both times I was running like this. I dont think I was pushing too hard. It never dieseled just bogged down and only died the second time. Ive been running 87 for three years ever since I bought it. Every 3 or 4 tanks I put some fuel injection cleaner in it. Ive never had andy problems with 87. Plus $3 a gallon for 87 hurts. Im not loaded like some people on this site.

05-15-2006, 10:57 AM	#7 (permalink)
Disco Mike Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Parker, Colorado Posts: 5,784 Gallery: 0	You are not gaining anything from using 87 octane, when you factor in the lost MPG and power, much less all the internal carbon build up, you are racking up a repair that is waiting to happen. I live in Santa Barbara, 87 is $3.60 and higher, we have alot of $4.00 stations so I know what you mean. What additive are you using, may be time to call in the big guns? Also, if the trail was that steep stay in 2nd gear, less chance of bogging down and loosing traction when the tranny hesitates when down shifting. I run 4:11's in my truck and in 2nd. gear, low range, no matter how steep the hill is I never bogg down, use your lower geras, 2nd, and keep moving. Mike

05-15-2006, 11:00 AM	#8 (permalink)
O.B. Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 234 Gallery: 0	Water in the tank maybe(?) or something was causing your engine to lean-out :dunno

05-15-2006, 11:12 AM	#9 (permalink)
fvbrry Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nashville, Tn Posts: 66 Gallery: 0	I usually add two bottles of STP to a full tank. Also before an oil change Ive added the Prolong engine treatment to the oil and drive for a while then have the oil changed per the instructions. That helps clean out the carbon. Ive also used seafoam in the oil before an oil change so I think I keep the engine cleaned out.

05-15-2006, 11:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
Disco Mike Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Parker, Colorado Posts: 5,784 Gallery: 0	I would suggest you try really clean out your engine. STP is a great product for retailers to sell but isn't worth a dam. Before you start using alot of Prolong consider really flushing out the engine, clean all the sludge and built up carbon, then stay with some good oil, filter and gas. After flushing it would be time to reallydo an induction cleaning and see the difference a happy engine makes. If you are interested, get back to me off line and I'll walk you thru some easy steps to a happy engine that I have learned after nearly 30 years in dealers shops as a service writer and manager. Mike

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

05-15-2006, 03:00 PM	#11 (permalink)
Badger1 Forward! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Loo-eee-ville, KY Posts: 2,162 Gallery: 1	I do agree with Mike about everything he has mentioned above, especially about the 87 you have been using, what is an extra $5 or so! Especially when you start looking at the prices of things like O2 sensors, cats, etc., etc.. Anyway, I would be leaning more toward the fuel starvation thing, on a hill as steep as you say. Don't remember if you mentioned if it has happened in everyday driving. When was the last time you changed out your fuel filter? Have you checked the condition of your air filter, although it would have to have plenty of clag in there to starve it out.

05-15-2006, 04:07 PM	#12 (permalink)
Disco Mike Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Parker, Colorado Posts: 5,784 Gallery: 0	No fuel filter on a DII and I wish there was, as bad as the gas is getting it would be nice to protect the injectors. Mike