Van lost power then eventually cut out on motorway and now will not start.

Initial loss of power whilst going uphill, made it to the hard shoulder where van stayed running. Look under bonnet showed no leaks, belts in places no nasty noises. Van still running so went to drive away. Lost power at 30mph and van cut out. Van now turns over but doesn’t start. Gauge showed 1/4 tank of diesel.

Working theory is a fuel issue. Had a cut out previously at around 1/8 tank on a v steep hill. Needed a tow whilst cranking and pumping accelerator to get things going again. As it doesn’t have a priming pump that I could find that was the only way I could think to bleed things through??

This time I am going through checking tank, no rust contains fuel, cleaned filter, pipes clear.
Main filter replacing
Will then check fuel is going to injectors
After that I’m out of expertise

Main question how do I get air out of the system post filter change properly.
And am I on the right track here or barking up the wrong tree:bang:
Any help greatly appreciated

manual or automatic transmission?

These are autopriming.

So you just crank the engine over to prime the fuel filter.
...at least that is it for the 2006 2.8 JTD engine.


It sounds like a fuel delivery/fuel pressure issue.
Unsure...is yours common rail turbo diesel?
I am unsure how to check the fuel pressure.

May be a scan tool may give more info?

Too old to plug in any kind of diagnostic and it’s pre common rail.
It’s a manual and I can’t hear any kind of priming pump going when ignition is on.

I’m thinking injectors but hoping it isn’t as that won’t be cheap. Done less thank 50k miles!

Hi Si31,

Yours must be a very early 2.8 JTD, as that engine model, 8140.43S, was only introduced in 2000.


You have not mentioned the fuel lift pump, which is submersed in the fuel tank, with access via a panel under the LHS of the cab floor. Can you hear the pump running when first switching on the ignition? It should run for about 30 seconds before stopping.

Regarding bleeding the filter after changing, as far as I know modern common rail diesels do not need bleeding. eLearn does not mention bleeding. Certainly I have changed fuel filters on other common rail engines, without the need to bleed.


I have been preparing to change the fuel filter for the first time on my 2006 2.8JTD. Access is atrocious, with the air filter housing in the way. eLearn says remove the three nuts inside the bottom of the housing. These are on rubber anti-vibration mountings and rusted solid. Ended up taking mounting bracket out with housing. Was then able to use 19mm spanner in addition to 10mm socket. Studs now greased.

Communicator said:

Hi Si31,

Yours must be a very early 2.8 JTD, as that engine model, 8140.43S, was only introduced in 2000.

Click to expand...

At that vintage, and if, as claimed, it really isn't common rail, it is much more likely to be the 8140.43 2.8 i.d. TD (not the 2.8JTD - which should be common rail)

If its the mechanical pump version loosen one of the injector pipes at the injector end be ready to tighten it when diesel comes through and get someine to turn the starter. This will show if you have diesel and also prime it if everything normal.

Likely explanation is failure of the immobiliser on the pump these can be removed with a chisel if its not armour plated if it is there's a lot more work in it

So yes it looks like it is he I.d TD not the JTD therefore not common rail and definitely no priming pump in the tank just the mechanical one on the engine.

Will hunt for an immobiliser on said pump. There is some sort of aftermarket thing fitted but it has never really worked apart from occasionally making the hazards flash, until now maybe. Though I had removed most of it but maybe not!!

Corcal that was going to be my next step. If fuel is getting through then it’s the injectors so it’s off to the garage.
Just waiting on a replacement water sensor for bottom of filter as the old one has a short.

Regarding bleeding there is what looks to be a bleed screw on top of the fuel filter manifold. Open crank the engine/ pump and let the air escape? Or am I completely wrong?

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.