Land Rover Repair: First Cold Start, advance auto parts, lucas electrics

Question
Hi John,
I have a 97 SD with 67K and for the past couple of months, the first time I turn the key in the morning my truck doesn't start. It turns over but very rarely catches the first time. I turn the key back and retry and it will usually start on the second or third try. On occasion, this will happen after the truck has been sitting an hour or so after running. Any ideas?

thanks
Butch

Answer
Hi Butch,

At first I thought it could be your starter.  It is possible that it is starting to fail.  It could also be your spark amplifier module (SAM).  Battery and Alternator failure can do this too.  

To be safe, go to your local Advance Auto parts store and have them check both your battery and alternator.  This is a free service with Advance.  If you are not in the US, you could try your local parts counter and see if they can do this test.  

Electric problems are difficult to nail down, especially Lucas electrics.  Could be starter, spark amplifier, coil or coilpack, weak battery or battery/alt combo.  I'm leaning towards spark amp. myself.

Have you washed your engine lately?  Rain, rivers and steam cleaning can easily cause the SAM to fail.  Moisture around the alt and SAM have done all sorts of damage.  Bag and seal the electrics if you ever wash your engine - and steam is the worse!  

Note:  If you ever suspect a failing battery, replace it quickly.  Our series I Disco's are notorious for failing alternators.  I've replaced 3 in my Disco.  I've seen this in many, many others too.  Something about those alts...don't let a failing battery ($50US) overtax your alt ($400US).

BTW: I'm impressed that your Disco has such low kilometers.

Best of luck,

JohnMc