Help with $700 Craigslist D1

[Jayar]

Posted this in RR forum, by accident...


I just bought a "backup" 1996 D1 this weekend. It's a backup because I already have an identical one (except mine is an SE7, this one's an SE.)

It's not perfect, but it cleaned up nicely.

The main issue with the truck is that the water pump shaft broke and grenaded the fan. I think the clutch and pulleys are still good, so shouldn't be too much $$.

The dude i bought it from claims that's why he parked it. And I kind of believe him because he didn't seem to know much about the car beyond the "system" he took out of it.

He says the car has been sitting for a YEAR without being started.

So, I cleared all the junk out of the way, and tried to start it. Spark but no fuel evidently. It turns over but won't start.

I've been reading posts about fuel pump issues. Checked fuses for injectors and pump. Both good. I can't hear any fuel pump noise, so I don't know if it's working. I pressed the little valve at the fuel rail and it seems to have no pressure. My running D1 gives a healthy squirt.

So, any tips are welcome, but I'm curious about this:

If he really did park the car because of the water pump mishap, then I assume the fuel system was working fine at the time. So, what might sitting for a year do to the fuel system that would cause a no-start?

I'm just getting into messing with it, but figured you guys would have some thoughts.

Thanks in advance.

JR

1996 Disco SE7
1996 Disco SE
Yes, both white.

 

[eliaschristeas]

1st - you grabbed a d1 for 700 bucks! so who really cares whats wrong with it?!

2nd - if you bought it in a non-op state, you should be prepared for the worst and not take his word on it having run great or whatever.

3rd - start @ the beginning. it cranks and no start? off the top of my head, a few things come to mind this close to midnight:

-fuel and fire. put your se7 pump in there and see what happens. fire: coil pack plugged in? working? do you have spark? Crank positioning sensor? start there and see what happens, you have your se7's good parts to throw @ it and trouble shoot, good luck!

 

[Jayar]

Yeah, $700 was ok by me....

I checked for spark by putting a plug on the end of the No. 1 plug wire and turning the engine over. Arced to the exhaust manifold. So I figure I've got fire.

I know running it with no water pump is not advisable, but I figure it's ok just to see if it'll start. HOWEVER, is there anything about the fact that there's no serpentine belt on it that would keep it from starting? Crank pulley is intact...haven't checked the sensor yet.

Thanks for the quick reply. Can't wait to hear a solid "vrooom."

JR

 

[Discoinjapan]

Is the battery any good??

 

[Jayar]

By the way, here's a pic, just for kicks.

The craigslist one is on the right...looks better than my other one!

 

[jymmiejamz]

Check to see if the fuel pump is running, and if it isn't check the multiplug that plugs into it.. There is another connecter that you can reach from the drivers side rear wheel well that tends to get corrosion inside of it.

 

[roverboy03]

you bought that for seven hundred dollars!! great find

 

[ShortBus]

is there gas in the tank?

 

[Gig'em Ags]

It could be that the gas has gone bad after sitting in the tank for a year. The fuel system may need to be flushed.

 

[AfiRover]

supper find
call if we can help

 

[peter sherman]

check voltage at the pump

 

[lowwill]

Damn you got a clean ass truck. Found one the same color in good shape. Hell keep it for a donor(parts) if all fails.

 

[Jayar]

Thanks for the tips. All help is appreciated. I'm just now getting ready to check the fuel pump and connections.

And yes:

- battery is fully charged
- gauge says tank is 1/3 full
- gas is probably nasty

will update as I go.

Thanks! JR

 

[Throne]

I'l take the scooter if you'r done with it

 

[knewsom]

ditch the gas and put it in yer lawn mower or your neighbor's hummer.

fill the tank with new gas, and unplug the fuel pump to see if you can manually move fuel through the gas lines. if you CAN, try the other fuel pump. If you CANT, and you may not be able to, gasoline turns to varnish if it sits for too long, then you'll have to figure out a way to clear/replace the fuel lines.

best of luck!

 

[Discoinjapan]

I agree with the gas statement as well. I would drop the tank and clean it, check the pump while its out and change the filter. Filler back up with high octane and throw in some water remover.
A lot of condensation can build up sitting for a year!!

Mike

 

[Jake_ak_cent]

By the way, here's a pic, just for kicks.

The craigslist one is on the right...looks better than my other one!

What kinda wheels are on the parts car?

 

[knewsom]

...and what kinda bike is that in the foreground?

 

[CandiMan]

It takes much longer than a year for fuel to become contaminated. Besides, contaminated gas will not cause no fuel pressure in the rail. The system should prime itself with ignition on, engine off. Sounds like you have a power or fuel pump issue.

 

[Discoinjapan]

It takes much longer than a year for fuel to become contaminated. Besides, contaminated gas will not cause no fuel pressure in the rail. The system should prime itself with ignition on, engine off. Sounds like you have a power or fuel pump issue.

Not for condensation. The water will clog the filter.