'96 Disco - not enough gas at 1st start of the day?

[abqpatch]

H All, this is my first serious post but I've read many useful threads. Here goes...

I have a '96 Automatic Disco SE7 with 150K miles. The first start of the day it seems like it is not getting enough gas; it takes about 1-2 minutes of driving before it accelerates normally. Could this be a fuel pump issue?

Thanks for your help! I am VERY new to working on cars but figure with instructions, patience, and the forum, at least basic repairs are possible.

-Sean

ps - Most of the parts on the disco are ready for replacement or were a long long time ago) so I went ahead and replaced:

1) spark plugs and plug wires
2) Both left bank oxygen sensors

I have this on order:
3) 2 x O2 sensors (AutoZone computer read P1179 - Bank 2 sensor 1, earlier today)
4) Fuel filter and o-rings on order.

[Elemental]

What brand spark plug did you use?

[abqpatch]

I used Champion plugs/wires... the old plugs looked down right nasty. Any ideas?

[Rovin4life]

Well you could check the fuel pressure and check to see if it drops within a few minutes. most of the time it will drop fairly quickly if there is a problem.

or it could be coolant leak into the cylinder causing issues. really common on freelanders.

[abqpatch]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

Okay, so because of the O2 code I'll change the sensors, might as well change the fuel filter, and ask a mechanic to check the fuel pressure (or possibly leaky coolant... I do recall a light fog-ish smoke from the tail pipe last winter).

If it is low fuel pressure does this mean it needs a new pump? Just to clarify -- if car runs with trouble for a few minutes and then runs fine, does this mean pressure is probably starting low and then goes up?

[bartell]

Originally Posted by abqpatch

I used Champion plugs/wires... the old plugs looked down right nasty. Any ideas?

Champions are ok...but they don't last long.

N.B. Bosch plugs are notoriously sad on these engines. All sorts of weirdness.

Go with NGK.. any of their choices for this engine are reliable.

James

[Rovin4life]

low fuel pressure can be anything, an injector, a clogged fuel filter, a fuel pressure regulator, or perhaps the fuel pump.

but if it runs bad and then warms up and is fine, its possible there is a fuel injector staying open and dumping fuel into the cylinders and when its started it gets fouled out until it runs ok.

before installing anything run a battery of tests in cluding fuel pressure tests and fuel pressuring drop tests, pull the plugs to inspect them for any sign of coolant fouling or perhaps oil. check the wires to make sure they are firing in the morning.

[abqpatch]

hi all, fantastic suggestions. Once I figure things out I'll be sure to post the results. thanks!

[Jagfixer]

You can get a cheap fuel pressure gauge at a local parts store or WalMart. The fuel rail on top of the engine has a valve cover like the ones on your tires, screw gauge there and you should have a pressure of 34-37lbs. continuosly. On the drivers side rear of engine is the pressure regulator with a vacuum hose on it, check and make sure hose is OK. It only happens on first start and then OK rest of day, right? I have a 96 D1 Auto SE7 with 112,000mi and use Champions, so you are OK there. Remember the D1 takes 4 O2 sensors.

[abqpatch]

Nice, I was looking at that valve today and wondering what the heck it was for. I'll get a pressure gauge and also take a look at the hose you mentioned tomorrow. (Yes, the car only has trouble when it first starts and then it is fine the rest of the day.)

[abqpatch]

So today I also noticed that the rocker to ram housing hose -- if that is the correct name.. took a while for me to find it on line -- was loose or maybe even popped off. Should I attach that with a hose clamp?

Also, since I pretty much inherited the car at 150K (and suspect little or poor maintenance history), should I also change the charcoal filter (or should I wait until a code for that comes up.. is there a code for that?)?

[epictour]

I had a similar problem, eventually it started to have difficulty on restarts especially if it was off 10 to 30 minutes, I would have to wait another 30 minutes for it to start and it would run poorly, sputter and backfire, for 1-2 minutes. Turned out to be the Fuel pump, which was a easy fix (see fuelpump for parts info and replacement instructions) get a fuel pressure tester (about $30) hook it up one morning and have someone turn the key to on while you watch the gauge, it should go up to 35-37psi in 3-4 seconds and stay there, then have them start it, pressure should stay at 35-37psi, if it doesn't it's a fuel pressure problem (pump, filter or regulator)

[abqpatch]

sweet link, thanks!... I started reading up on the fuel pump issue and heard I could probably do it myself. I'll get a tester over the weekend and get back to you all.

[abqpatch]

ahh, just noticed the link if for a RR.. but still, it explains a lot. thanks again!

[abqpatch]

So tested the pressure and when I turned the key to pressurize it went to 37ish PSI and then dropped to 30. It started and ran at 30psi even when I pulled the throttle cable a little. So this means there is either a pressure leak or pump problem... so based on what people have said, probably the pump needs to be replaced?