Background: 1998 Disco LE, with about 175,000 miles.

Issue:

Hard start in the morning. If I hold the key, the engine will continue to crank over and over to never fire up. If I use short cranks (turn the key and hold a few seconds) it will usually fire up and run after 3 to 4 turns of the ignition. Much more turns are needed if the car sits a week or two before I drive it again (maybe like 20 crank attempts). If I drive it everyday, it starts easier.

Once started, it revs fine in neutral. Seems to have very fast throttle response time and sounds good and throaty. If I left it idle for 15 to 20 minutes, it sounds like it is running on a few less cylinders (stutters and backfires).

If I try to drive it in that condition, it accelerates fine under light throttle, but if I mat it, it backfires, REV's increase ever so slightly, and speed increases ever so slightly also. If I drive it cold with the engine sounding fine in neutral (fast throttle response) and put a load on it, I get the same problems as when it's warm.

I have changed the MAF, intake manifold gasket, cleaned the throttle body, and replaced the plugs and wires. I have ordered a new fuel filter and will change that next.

Anyone ever encountered a problem like this?

 

Check the fuel pressure. There is valve for the purpose on the fuel line. After what you have done, it seems like it is either a fuel pressure issue (could be the fuel filter or less likely the fuel pump) or a timing issue.

 

You need a new fuel pump, it is not holding pressure after sitting and because the pump is weak it is having a hard time priming the fuel system.
www.roverlandparts.com

 

Thanks Storm Trooper. What should the fuel pressure read when running (at idle) and when off?

 

I believe the fuel PSI is supposed to be in the 32-36 psi range when running, it will drop a few pounds after you shut if off but it should hold pressure of some kind overnight.
Replace your fuel filter first, but my money is on the fuel pump.
FYI-a clogged fuel filter will shorten the life of the fuel pump as it has to work harder.

 

If i need to replace the fuel pump, is the a good aftermarket one that works well (in regards to installing) or should I buck up and by the OEM for around $400?

 

Have you replaced the fuel filter?
Try turning your key to the 2nd. position 3 times without starting then try for a start, what happens?

 

I do not know of any goods aftermarket ones, just buy a used one from www.roverlandparts.com or www.autosportsunlimited.com, it is a snap to replace.
Roll up the carpet in the cargo area and there is a access panel that you remove and there is your fuel pump.
Replace the filter first, behind the right rear passenger wheel.

 

May want to also consider a compression test, maybe a leak down also, with your mileage, you may have a little surprise showing up causing the backfires on hard throttle.

 

Thanks all. I am having the fuel pressure checked today. I have a new fuel filter and will get that put on in the next day or two. If the fuel pressure checks out fine and the replacement of the filter doesn't solve the problem, I will ahve the compression checked. More to follow!