Cut out - no fault?

[cbeeson]

Started the Bongo (2.5 diesel R-reg) yesterday, after a four-week break. Began to reverse down the drive, but after 30 secs the engine cut out suddenly, and showed no signs of restarting. Called the RAC, who eventually sprayed some Easy Start into the air intake which, after a lot of cranking, led the engine to suddenly burst into life. He followed while I drove to the garage that services the Bongo, and I've left it there overnight. Dave at the garage has checked thefuel filter and glow plugs and the like, and searched for fuel leaks, and can't find anything wrong; and Bongo started with no problem this morning. No warning lights.

Any suggestions as to what might have happened, and how to avoid it in the future? Is something likely to be wearing out? The RAC bloke was muttering about a 'lazy fuel pump', but what might that have meant?

[haydn callow]

I reckon it had a empty fuel filter and it takes quite a while to refill.
Is you used the fuel left in the pipes and then because the filter was empty it stopped.......then lots of cranking finally refilled the filter and away you go.
Having said that the filter shouldn't empty itself so make sure the drain I'd sealing.

[Bongolia]

RAC man could have it right in that the pump isn't lifting the fuel up.
Having said that the fuel should remain in the pipe work and not drain back to the tank. It may be an idea to get your guy to vacuum the pipes and check banjo fittings etc to see if air is getting in some where and allowing the fuel to drain back.
What you may have been running on initially was fuel still in the fuel pump.
How long did it run for?

[Bongolia]

Pipped at the post!

[haydn callow]

30sec the man says

[Bongolia]

Ah, but had it been idling before the drive down the drive??
Sound right tho for what you suggest.

[cbeeson]

Thanks both. It certainly looks like there wasn't fuel in the filter, for whatever reason, so I'll take a proper look. Dave at the garage had checked for fuel leaks, but I realise that may not account for air getting in somewhere. It had been standing for a month, so plenty of time for a gradual leak. No problem after an overnight stand.

BTW, Haydn, my coolant alarm alerted me to a split radiator a couple of months ago, and saved a load of trouble, so thanks for that too!

[cbeeson]

Whoa - I can't keep up! No, I'd not had it idling on the drive. Start first pull, deploy mirrors, edge back on closed throttle, cuts out after 10 yards.

Chris

[haydn callow]

Can you believe there are still people around who think coolant alarms are a waste of time/money?

[cbeeson]

Quite, Haydn!