Hi I have a 1999 Disco 1 with Champion spark plugs. Every morning now it takes a few cranks to get the disco started. After the initial time, the rest of the day, no problem starting on the first crank. Is there something starting to go bad that i should look at or should I just change the spark plugs out? The plugs have about 10,000 miles on them. thanks.

 

Change your fuel filter. It is located on the frame behind theright rear wheel.
Its not the spark plugs.

 

And the plug wires how old are they?
Normal start issues on D1's are related to the fuel pressure bleeding down over night so it has to crank longer to build pressure and start.
Tomorrow, turn the key to the 2 nd position, leave it there for 5 seconds and turn it off, do that 3 times them try and start the engine, let us know what happens.

 

Hi Mike, did what you said to do this morning. It started on the first turn but it barely started. At least I didn't need to do it a few times today before it would start. What should I do next? Thanks.

 

You missed the whole idea. You aren't supposed to start it untill after you turn the key 3 time. By doing this, you are cvausing the fuel pump to prime the rails.
So do it again after it has set overnight.

 

I did turn the key to the 2nd position 3 times like what you said. Then on the 4th time I turned the key to start the engine and it started even though it seemed like it wanted to die.

 

What should I do next? Thanks!

 

Idle control motor and coolant temp sensor would be my initial guess. What would happen if you shut the engine off 10 seconds after starting it in the morning. Would it still be difficult to re-start? How about shutting it off 1, 3 or 5 minutes after the intial morning start, would it still be difficult to re-start? I know you stated for the rest of the day it will start just fine, I'm curious to know how long does the engine have to be running for it not to have a starting problem.

 

I would start with the fuel filter, it is cheap and probaly needs to be done anyway.
Whats happening is you are losing fuel PSI when the truck sits overnight. A clogged fuel filter will make it harder to pressurise the fuel system.

 

PM me your tele number and a good time for me to call you.