This engine has generally been rebuilt with new or refurbished parts. I have done all but the specialist stuff myself. It is a NA motor with an aftermarket turbo fitted to a G-wagen.

Currently it will fire up for a second then falter and stop. I was able to get it to keep running - by pumping the hand primer pump while cranking - but running was extremely rough, accompanied by clouds of dense white smoke!

I am suspecting 3 things:
1. lift pump not providing enough pressure
2. timing gone out due to problem in the Inj Timing device
3. air getting to the injectors

1. I feel the lift pump pressure by squeezing the banjo fitting between thumb and forefinger while cranking the engine - first having removed it from the fuel filter housing of course. I can feel pulses, but no fuel squirts past my finger like it does when I use the hand pump.

2. When the engine WAS running OK a few months ago, it faltered and died on me. And has been displaying these symptoms since then. I have replaced spring and valves in the lift pump - and fitted a reconditioned injection pump / rebuilt injectors. The other day I decided to check that I had installed the inj pump correctly - I found that the timing was out! If no other course of action comes up, I will again remove the inj pump and check its timing - if it has moved then I really must have a more sinister problem on my hands!

3. I crank until fuel free from bubbles appears at the cracked injector fittings. The motor 'ran' for about 5 min yesterday so I am assuming any trapped air has been voided? There are no fuel leaks in the piping around the pump (new rubber pipes too). Using a local pot of fuel for supply and for return makes no difference.

I am cranking while running another car with cables connected. Getting almost 12V at the glowplugs - which are new!

Any thoughts please? I have run out of parts to replace!

Cheers