General 1996 Ducato motorhome not starting

[Steve Wykes]

Hi, I’m new here so be gentle. My 1996 diesel Ducato motorhome won’t start. Battery has been checked and is fine. Recovery got it started using the air intake brake cleaner trick... diagnosis appears to be fuel pump but I’m reluctant to simply have it replaced without checking if it could be something else. Once started it runs perfectly.

Once it has started it will start again for most of that day, mechanic suggested that the reason it doesn’t start the next day is due to fuel air lock coming into play as it slowly drains back over night.

I’ve seen comments about inertia switch but when I press this it isn’t clicking so I don’t think it is that.

Although it appears to be the fuel pump could it be the relay linking the wiring to the pump?

Also, I have read some threads which suggest a link to the electric step, this is the main reason for my post. The step motor has failed and when I checked the wiring to the step motor it was burnt out, I have completely disconnected it now but I’m wondering what the link could be and if there is a fuse somewhere I need to check?

Really appreciate any help before I start spending loads of cash on something that my gut says is likely to be a simple problem.

Thanks

 

[jontee61]

hi steve. a little more info would help.---- which engine ---with ecu or without----turbo or non turbo and so on is it the fiat engine or the Iveco. the more info the more likely to get positive replys. cheers,

 

[Steve Wykes]

hi steve. a little more info would help.---- which engine ---with ecu or without----turbo or non turbo and so on is it the fiat engine or the Iveco. the more info the more likely to get positive replys. cheers,

. Thanks, I will get the detail and post tomorrow.

 

[rolandbrindley]

A few simple steps are :-

slacken an injector pipe at the injector and crank, fuel should issue from round the flare nut.

If not check if the fuel off solenoid is open with ign on, not easy to check, but is fuel reaching the pump? Slacken the return fuel pipe union somewhere to see if fuel is returning to the tank when cranking.

With ign on bleed the air out of the injector pump and then out of injector pipes by cranking with the 4 flare nuts slack.

There is a cold start cable on this model I think, is it free to move?

If there is no manual bleed pump then fit one of the bulb types, it will save you hours and your starter motor and battery.

 

[Steve Wykes]

Great, thanks for the advice.

 

[Steve Wykes]

Think it’s fixed. Iveco engine with no ECU. Apparently it is a common fault that when vehicle steering is in full lock at the point igniting is fired the timing belt slips a notch and means the mechanical fuel pump is firing out of time. New timings belt all tuned up and all is well.

Thanks for the above suggestions.