1991 RC dies at random

[jpcook]

1991 RC with ABS.
Driving along just fine when it behaves as if it is getting no gas. On most occasions, it's dead and I pull off the road. Sometimes it's just a few minutes before it starts again. When it decides to start it starts right up. Pumpling the gas, continuous starter activation yield no difference that I can tell. On one occasion it started to die and I was quick enough to pop it into neutral and pump the gas. I was barely able to keep it alive and managed to get the RPMs back up, but it was puffing smoke out the back. After 10 or 15 seconds, put it in gear and off we go.

Had the dealer replace the fuel pump three years ago. I replaced the fuel pump relay last fall. No tune up for several years. About 135,000 miles. It's my wife's car and she's issued the ultimatium.

I've thought that perhaps I need a fuel pressure gauge and a light indicating that power is getting to the fuel pump.

Any thoughts on what it could be or how to diagnose?

[Les Parker]

Have you checked the Air Gap and set the Base Idle?
When were the breathers last cleaned/renewed?

[jpcook]

Update

Thank you!
Air Gap and Base Idle checked and ok.
Air filter was replaced in January and looks good.
New fuel filter yesterday.
Methanol with every tank of gas.
----
Update:
Similar scenario, i.e., died and would not restart. Walked away and returned 8 hours later. Started up, but with lots of smoke and sputtering motor that would not increase in RPMs. I kept pumping the peddle to keep it going. Two minutes later the smoke cleared, the engine ran smooth and the rpms were at my command. Got on the street for home and it started to die. I pumped the gas all the way home just to keep the engine alive. Part way in the driveway it died. I suspect it will start in the morning.

I got hold of a fuel pressure gauge and will try to figure that out tomorrow.
Any more ideas?

[kevin-ct]

Did you clean the connection at the coil? A bad Ign amp will over heat and let the engine die then restart when cool.

[Les Parker]

When the vehicle is in no-go mode, have you checked to see if there is a spark at any of the plugs?
My suspicion would be the amplifier on the side of the distributor.

[jpcook]

Status Update.

Thank you for your responses!
She's resting quietly out on the street tonight.
1. I have not cleaned up the coil and fittings, but will at daylight.
2. I did check for spark from the coil to the cap and from the cap to the plugs. In the day light it looks like a yellow spark and it is very much there. I expected a white hot spark but I would think it's enough to let it run.

I would think about the fuel pump but I don't know that a fuel pump failure would account for the smoke that billows out of the tail pipe when it's acting up. It feels like the engine is fuel starved or oxygen starved but could that account for the smoke?

I'll pull the plugs and see what they look like.

[kevin-ct]

I have a fuel pump on the shelf if you need to test it.

What part of the world are you from?

[jpcook]

Thank you.

That is a very generous offer! Thank you.
I actually live on a different planet, Utah.
I had the fuel pump replaced about 2 years ago by the local dealer ($1278 + tax). I was stupid then.
I kept the old one and saw some good info on rebuilding/replacing it. Not sure what to do next. I guess check the fuel pressure.
I may take you up on your kind offer but let me kick it one more time.
BTW, how much does the fuel pump cost?

[Les Parker]

On the 1991 you should have a plastic fuel tank.
The fuel pump # is :-

http://www.roversnorth.com/store/p-6944-fuel-pumpsending-unit-range-rover-discovery.aspx

Current Special Price is $103.62
Do not forget the up-date harness :-

http://www.roversnorth.com/store/p-6402-harness-fuel-pump-range-rover.aspx

[joshua.mcguoirk]

Remote Amplifier

When the vehicle is in no-go mode, have you checked to see if there is a spark at any of the plugs?
My suspicion would be the amplifier on the side of the distributor.

Same issue some years ago... opted for the remote amp and all is well.

[mongoswede]

what color is the smoke?

[1962siia88]

Hey there:

Do you get a cel light when its running bad? I had similar problems at one point. New dist cap, rotor, wires and plugs made a big difference, but the ultimate solution was a ignition module and distributor from a 94 disco in the pick n pull.

Best of luck to you.

Daniel

[jpcook]

Smoke...

what color is the smoke?

Not a dark blue or heavy black and not billowing. But more grey and like it was eating carb cleaner.

[jpcook]

Hey there:

Do you get a cel light when its running bad? I had similar problems at one point. New dist cap, rotor, wires and plugs made a big difference, but the ultimate solution was a ignition module and distributor from a 94 disco in the pick n pull.

Best of luck to you.

Daniel

Uhhh.... what is a cel light? Sorry.

I traded the fuel pump with a know to be working fuel pump out of an 89. (also mine) Ran great for 20 minutes. Went in the house and gave myself positive affirmations. Went out to take my wife to dinner to celebrate and it started, died and now I'm sleeping in the car.

Guess I better start replacing ignition module and wire, cap rotor...

[BullDogSix]

CEL = Check Engine Light

Replace and test one thing at a time, otherwise you'll never know what it was. Follow the checks in the service manual for the ignition components.