Land Cruiser Diesel Engine

Check the system for leaks in the fuel system, or isolated air pockets. I usually fix this injector by injector. Let the engine run and loosen the fuel connector nuts one at the time - if bubbles appear, air is trapped. When the diesel flows tighten the nut - and do the next one. When the injection pump has a air plug- do this first till diesel flows. Little at the time.

PS. If the engine still has a manual pump, you can do this without running the engine too. This is the main problem for whatever diesel engine. For more help, tell us the year of the engine and if it has hydraulic operated valves.

Is it one with glow plugs? And if yes, how is the glow time controlled.

1. Check for Air

2. Check if glow system works properly ( it could give wrong info - especially critical for engines with high mileage)

3. Valve clearance. If not hydraulic

4. If the engine smokes (black, or white), check pump timing.

Just a guess here and based on minimum info, if you have to "push the car to start again" first thing that comes to my mind is a bad battery or alternator.

Does it crank (starter turns) when you try to re-start after you have run it and it does not start up?