Fuel pump failure

[Trevor 90]

Got ourselves a new, (well 1995) 300tdi to replace the one that some thieving scum pinched and we have a fuel problem, which im wondering if anyone else has encountered. After purchasing we had a local specialist check it over and replace all filters and oils. A week later it lost power. In neutral the engine would rev freely, but try to move and it was like trying to pull off in fifth, you could get it moving just. AA recovered it back to the garage and they diagnosed a fuel lift pump failure. Changed the pump, got it back and it was fine for about 80 miles, then exactly the same symtoms yesterday.Recoverd back to the garage who suspect a faulty replacement lift pump, which is possible i suppose, but i wonder if they are missing something. Anyone any ideas???? Is this a common fault??? Any advise greatfuly received!

Ps - Merry Christmas !

[treebloke]

Where are you, are they a LR garage or a general one.

[HENNEGANOL]

Where are you, are they a LR garage or a general one.

Is it a 90?

If so you may have dirt in the fuel tank, which because there is no filter between the tank and lift pump, debris can get under the valves. I had a similar problem and because the pump casing is crimped you have to destroy it in order to inspect the valves. In my case it proved to be an earwig which somehow got sucked into the pump!

I have since fitted an inline filter before the lift pump which a cheaper option than a new pump.

HG

[Matthew]

I had a similar problem with my 200TDi...changed lift pump, filter etc. Turned out to be a blockage in the fuel pic up line.

Try disconnecting the lines at BOTH ends then blow through with a compressor.

matt

[m0bcg]

the lift pumps do fail very quickly in some cases, the pin comes out of the pivot point .

if you have a delphi type lift pump which has the screw on top , you can remove the top cap where the inlet pipe is fitted and this will reveal and o-ring seal and a mesh filter which you can clean , on my 300tdi i have this type of pump and i have had same problem as you , ie dying power , and all my problem was is that the mesh filter was blocked with paint chippings from inside of jerry cans which id used to keep spare fuel in .

if you have the other type of lift pump with a fixed cap then you can do anything with these .

i have had new lift pumps fail within a week or two of fitting one, to be honest the pumps you buy these days arent very good even if they are quite cheap .

id suggest buying a dephi pump , with new olives and unions , and then you can clean the filter easily and quickly .

with a buggered lift pump if you try and rev the engine up on the governor[injector pump throttle arm held open] flat out , you will probably find that it will cough and splutter and may even stop running after a short while along with grey/black smoke from exhaust whilst its spluttering etc .

make sure the plastic pipe to the top of the injector pump diaphragm housing is ok , especially at the tee connector and at the turbo .

make sure the diaphragm inside the top housing on the injector pump will move down inside and isnt stuck .

i would say though that you have a broken or blocked lift pump .

you could fit a filter in the fuel line from tank but will require the right connectors etc when you split the plastic fuel pipe .

you could use speedfit push fit connectors on the plastic pipe and then insert some brass/copper pipe in other end of connector, then can fit some rubber hose on ends which will connect to the clear plastic inline fuel filters you can buy .

there are other compression fittings to use on plastic pipes which are used on lorry fuel/brake pipes , these use a small brass insert to stop plastic pipe squashing .

paddocks sell the delphi type lift pumps .

.