V8 EFi Range Rover Classic Starting Problem

[martin mrt]

I recently acquired a 1993 RRC Vogue soft dash model as a non runner due to the starter motor being dead, it wouldn't even click when i first seen the car, anyway i fitted a new starter and i thought that would be the end of my worries but i was wrong, it was just the beginning,

Basically it turns over just to the point where you think it will fire but it doesn't and reverts to just turning over and over again, perhaps back to that point where you think it may just fire but no it doesn't

i have replaced te rotor arm, dizzy cap, leads, there was new plugs fitted before i got it, its getting a spark and its the fuel pump is priming ok, I've added fresh fuel as it had sat for around 6 months so i thought it wise to eliminate stale fuel also but alas I've still had no luck so I'm hoping some kind chaps on here may be able to advise me what may be holding it back

its done just over 100k if that makes any difference and was a runner before it was parked up

[thescamper]

You say the fuel pump is priming but is there any fuel getting through, have you pulled a plug out to see?

[martin mrt]

One of the plugs was wet so I can only assume its getting fuel

[Liszt]

Have you checked the coil? Held a plug to the block to confirm a spark?

[Vixpy1]

Ign amp if not already done so and coil

[martin mrt]

Yes the coil was also replaced, getting spark and fuel but it just refuses to start, ignition amplifier, I will give that a try

[P100]

If you have spark and fuel then timing has to e the issue !!

[paintman]

Redo the timing completely. If someone has had the dizzy out its VERY easy to get it a tooth or two out when refitting. (Guess how I found that out). Do it by checking that No1 valves are both closed & the piston is at TDC on compression stroke - remove the N/S rocker cover to check the valves & No1 plug to check piston position. Don't forget that the dizzy shaft will rotate as you put it back in so needs to be positioned to allow for that so it finishes up pointing to No1 lead.
You say the rotor arm has been replaced - if you turn the rotor arm by hand & release does it flick smartly back to its original position? When pulling them off unless you press down on the reluctor (8-pointed star thing under the rotor arm) you can disengage the auto advance/retard mech in the base of the dizzy.
Did you use a genuine parts rotor arm & dizzy cap? And by that I mean sourced from a franchised LR dealer - the V8 doesn't like pattern parts & those 2 items can be a major source of trouble even when brand new.

[martin mrt]

Thank you very much paintman, I will check the timing also, the rotor arm/cap were already on the car when we got it and it seems they are pattern items, so I will change these also,

[MrAndyW]

As said, the V8 doesn't like anything but Lucas parts,I think when I was running mine a few years back they were about £25, but worth every penny.

[JNR77]

I recently encountered similar problems, turned over fine but wouldnt fire, fuel getting through with a good spark.

Couple of things to look for; Inertia switch - i couldnt find mine but it is either under one of the front seats or in the engine bay on the bulk head on passenger side - appatently this can trip out and needs pressing.

Mine turned out to be a problem with the key fob remote; the button jammed so when ever it was near the car it was sending a constant signal to the car not to start. simple solution; leave the fob in the house (out of range) then started first time!

Good luck!

[martin mrt]

Thanks alot chaps, I will get a new cap and rotor arm first from LR and try everything else after that