D4d Woes Cured At Last

[davestringer]

I have a 2001 Avensis with 2 litre D4D engine. One day, about a month ago, it ran very lumpy and sometimes gave off clouds of whitish smoke. The next day it wouldn't start. Called out RAC who said fuel filter was empty; fuel had drained back to tank. He explained that high pressure pump pulls the fuel up from the tank, via the filter. If any air gets in between tank and pump, the pump has nothing to pull on. There is a little plunger on top of the fuel filter. He pumped this about 20 times to manually "prime" the filter with fuel. It then started OK. Toyota dealer couldn't find anything wrong saying "computer reveals no faults". Aaaaargh! Hasn't any mechanic in Toyota got a brain of their own? Of course there's a fault, just one that the computer can't detect. They suggested new pump (about £1200 !!!) Anyway, problem got much worse. Had to prime filter every morning to start. Engine would cut out about ten times in the first 30 minutes of motoring, requiring re-prime to start again. Nightmare! Long story short, went to Bennetts in Watford, diesel experts (people with brains!) They actually conducted experiments by inserting transparent pipes and non-return valves to isolate the problem. Fix was to replace the whole fuel filter assembly complete with its pipes and sensor (not just the filter!). Cost £200 plus but problem completely solved. I'm happy.

[Mkuk0]

Tnx for the info mate, one to bear in mind for the future!

[chatman]

I have a 2001 Avensis with 2 litre D4D engine. One day, about a month ago, it ran very lumpy and sometimes gave off clouds of whitish smoke. The next day it wouldn't start. Called out RAC who said fuel filter was empty; fuel had drained back to tank. He explained that high pressure pump pulls the fuel up from the tank, via the filter. If any air gets in between tank and pump, the pump has nothing to pull on. There is a little plunger on top of the fuel filter. He pumped this about 20 times to manually "prime" the filter with fuel. It then started OK. Toyota dealer couldn't find anything wrong saying "computer reveals no faults". Aaaaargh! Hasn't any mechanic in Toyota got a brain of their own? Of course there's a fault, just one that the computer can't detect. They suggested new pump (about £1200 !!!) Anyway, problem got much worse. Had to prime filter every morning to start. Engine would cut out about ten times in the first 30 minutes of motoring, requiring re-prime to start again. Nightmare! Long story short, went to Bennetts in Watford, diesel experts (people with brains!) They actually conducted experiments by inserting transparent pipes and non-return valves to isolate the problem. Fix was to replace the whole fuel filter assembly complete with its pipes and sensor (not just the filter!). Cost £200 plus but problem completely solved. I'm happy.

thanks davestringer...this was the problem I had on RAV and all fixed now.....Mechanic driving back from specialist :censor: (enough said) to local garage...so should be re-united tonight.....

One to watch out for as can be a right bugger to diagnose......