Fuel pressure worry
I recently bought a 2002 Rover 75 diesel with the BMW M47R engine and the mileage at present is 37,000. To get it ready for its MOT, I replaced the upper and lower suspension arms on the rear, which seem to be a common rust point. I have also serviced the engine by changing all the filters, including the crank case breather filter, which was originally the gauze type and was black and blocked, for a new BMW plastic filter.
I decided to take the car for a long run after it passed the MOT, but after we stopped for a break and I returned to the car, it would not start. It just kept turning over and not firing. I waited for five minutes and tried it again, with the same result. I lifted the bonnet to have a look for anything obvious, found nothing, got back in the car and it started on the first turn. I stopped again about four times and the engine always started first time. A day later, I drove a short distance, stopped to go into a shop, came back and it wouldn’t start.
I also have a 2001 Land Rover Freelander with the same engine and have experienced a similar problem. I got a local mechanic to connect his Snap-on diagnostic tool and, while I can’t remember the exact fault, it indicated low fuel pressure. The mechanic knocked the lift pump and the car started immediately. So it’s possible my Rover 75 has the same problem. Is there a diagnostic tool available for this car and what are your thoughts on what might be causing this problem? Bill Kerr EOBD compliance came into force on diesel vehicles in 2004, which means that your 2002 Rover is unlikely to be compatible with most modern tools. However, the system uses the EDC15C4 protocol and one tool that would work is the Sykes Pickavant ACR4 with the correct pod installed. These are still quite an expensive option even if you are lucky enough to find a secondhand unit, as they sell for around £250.
One other option is this device from pscan.uk, which was designed by a Rover enthusiast and sells for £154 plus postage. I have not tested this unit personally, so this is only a suggestion and not a recommendation.
With regard to the possible reason for the non-starting when hot, the sensors that could cause such a situation are the crankshaft sensor or the coolant temperature sensor, with the crankshaft sensor being the most likely. You will find it just below the starter motor.