Days to go : 199
Last Sunday I started with a car that wouldn't stop, and ended with one that doesn't start
The fuel solenoid arrived during the week so I didn't have any worries.
I had lots of plans; fit the awning, remove the rear seats and trial fit the water tank as well as fit the new solenoid, which would be straight forward (yeah right!).
I started by fitting the newly modified front bracket and the awning. I used anti-rattle washers and nylock nuts throughout to try and fight against the inevitable vibrations that tend to shake things loose. Once tightened I cut off any spare thread sticking out to leave a tidy job. I didn't take any photos as I intended to write a complete article on the awning and I will add them all there.
Fitting the solenoid came next. I have a specially modified spanner for the job as it is a real pig ot get to with and ordinary one. It is a 24mm open ended spanner, cut in half and ground away around the head. I will add a picture at the weekend when I recommence hostilities. This allows me to grip and tighten the solenoid despite the engine 'furniture' which gets in the way.
Once fitted I hand pumped the lift pump to prime the system and fired her up.....or not as the case may be.
Endless pumping and purging left me with fuel in every line up to and past the injection pump but it still wouldn't run. I checked the 12v supply to the solenoid and even connected it directly to the battery. My only conclusion is that the new valve is duff. 2 hours of faffing about to achieve nothing. So next weekend I will try again.
I would like to go for a LR genuine parts solenoid instead of the aftermarket brands. These cost £9-£20 unfortunately the genuine article is nearer to £100
which is really hard to justify. However at this rate (this is my 3rd solenoid in 5000 miles) it may be an option.
If I can resolve this fueling issue then I hope to start work on some of the internals such as the water tank next weekend.
