erratic idling

[carpy]

I,m looking for advice after i have been driving my 3ltr turbo diesel for some time it starts to run eraticaly at all ranges but then will correct itself for a while i have renewed the fuel filter and this hasn't made any differance im still having the same problem

[Uplander]

I,m looking for advice after i have been driving my 3ltr turbo diesel for some time it starts to run eraticaly at all ranges but then will correct itself for a while i have renewed the fuel filter and this hasn't made any differance im still having the same problem

Hi,
In the absence of other assistance (up to now anyhow ) I offer the following possibilities:-
There is an injector nozzle fault maybe a restriction or overheated.
Fuel starvation : check at each nozzle by very carefully * loosening each feed union in turn / * read, by protecting yourself from fuel spurting in your direction doesnt happen every time but can cause problems.
Injector pump mistimed... However unless you have recently changed a belt or the belt has somehow slipped this would be unlikely.
I am advised that fuel filters have long life (longer than many here would subscribe to) and only really need swopped when you suspect the fuel to have been contaminated.

Well that's my ideas.. Depends if the situation is deteriorating. If so definately suspect one injector or more to be at fault. If the erratic running continues but follows a distinct pattern ie doesnt become worse, then suspect a fuel pump mistiming snag.

[Ste00]

how much is a fuel filter btw? easy job to change on on the surf?

do you run your surf low on fuel? i find my 3.0 hates less than 1/4 tank it will take longer to start and seem slower in general, could also be somthing clogged like a injector 2 options there take the injectors out and clean / replace them or go for the quick route of fill up and put some redex in... now some ppl dont like redex but i have not had a problem with it on any of my cars (evean my volvo 440)

[Greebo]

I,m looking for advice after i have been driving my 3ltr turbo diesel for some time it starts to run eraticaly at all ranges but then will correct itself for a while i have renewed the fuel filter and this hasn't made any differance im still having the same problem

Have'nt got the air con on have ya? that will make it erratic at idle as the air con pump cuts in and out.

[TonyN]

When you say irratically, is it missing, or just the revs dropping/rising.

I'd be looking for airleaks on the intake, or the fuel lines. Also check for oil/crud build up either side of the turbo on the intake. and the throttle body/manifold.

[carpy]

eratic reving

Thanks for the advice the actual revs are eratic at all ranges i will first try the redex medicine to see if that makes a difference then i will look at the intake and the turbo to throttle housing it doesn't appear to be getting worse i just know when it reaches otimum running temp that it will happen at some point.

[NeillOP]

I'd check all the basics first, make sure there are no leaks in the air intake system (air filter lid is on properly, big rubber pipe over top of engine is not split etc) and then check for a blocked fuel tank breather (after a run whilst the engine is running undo the fuel tank filler and listen for air being sucked in), and if you still draw a blank carefully check all the fuel system connections for tightness in case its drawing air somewhere. If it is drawing air it is likely to suffer from hard starting as well. If none of this helps I'd replace the fuel filter, and if that doesn't help...well at least you've ruled out all the cheap faults...