2000 Ford Transit Issue

[bordx8]

Hi, I am new to here and Transit's in general.
I bought a 2000 VG Transit turbo diesel/manual (model 54719) to haul my motorbikes in.
Did a few trips (2-3000 kms worth) no drama's at all, van ran like a dream.
Recently on the way home, the van spluttered a bit like it had a fuel issue and then stopped with the engine light on.
I managed to start it again and limped off the road and parked. I decided to stay there for a few hours, as I was tired and it was late anyway.
Anyway about 4 hours later I fired it up and drove for a solid half hour to the next town and stopped for a coffee.
Once again it refused to start.
I waited a few hours and then it fired again, drove for a solid 15 minutes and it cut out again and wouldn't restart.
I rang a mate and luckily he came and towed us home.
Have tried it a few times since, and it seems to run fine for a while and then cut out again.
Have changed the fuel filter, but it made no difference.
Could it be the dreaded fuel pump...or is there something else that could cause it?

I really would like to sort it out, as it was a dream to drive and had plenty of room for my bikes.
However if it is going to be an expensive fix...I might have to look at alternatives.
Any constructive ideas are welcome. Thanks.

[AndyG]

Need to know what the "check engine" light is doing under every circumstance .
ie; When it won't restart, is it not coming on with ign.

[bordx8]

Need to know what the "check engine" light is doing under every circumstance .
ie; When it won't restart, is it not coming on with ign.

Yes when it won't restart the check engine light comes on with the ign.
The motor cranks over fine, but won't fire.
When it cuts out the light comes on straight away as well.
Cheers.

[AndyG]

It does sound more like a loose connection.
Carefully check the big multiplug at the rear of the pump for damaged/pushed in or corroded connections.
Check all earth points in the engine compartment by removing and cleaning the contact surfaces.
Is it the same with all electricals on (headlamps wipers etc)

Other things to check are the ign. switch it's self and the hold relay in the aux fuse box under the bonnet.
If you have air con. I think the relays are the same, so you should be able to swap them out and see.

[bordx8]

Thanks for the Heads up Andy.
I will have a look in the next few days and see what happens.
Fingers crossed it is something like you mentioned...

[bordx8]

It does sound more like a loose connection.
Carefully check the big multiplug at the rear of the pump for damaged/pushed in or corroded connections.

Pulled all of the connections, checked them and cleaned them up and reconnected.
Went for a 200km drive with a phone and towrope....and had no issues at all.
Will try for a day trip in the next week or so and see what happens.
I did notice the the multiplug seemed not to be 100% connected, it needed a bit of a twist to lock in.
Maybe it was the issue? We will see in the next week or two. Cheers.