QuestionI have a 1997 land rover discovery SDi with a bad fuel pump. is this something i could tackle on my own with an above average knowledge of engines or would i be better of to leave this one to the professionals?
AnswerHi Adam,
I'll give you the details on the fuel pump removal and you decide if you can handle this.
FUEL PUMP AND SENDER UNIT Service Repair
A plastic fuel tank with a combined fuel pump/sender unit is fitted. The fuel pump/sender unit is accessed through a panel in the load space floor.
Fuel pump/sender unit:
Service Tools:
LRT-19-001 wrench - pump retaining ring
LRT-19-002 'Speedfit' disconnector
Remove
1. Depressurise fuel system. See Depressurising Fuel System (I've included this below - JohnMc)
2. Disconnect battery negative lead.
3. Syphon at least 9 litres (2 gallons) of fuel from fuel tank into a suitable container that can be sealed.
4. Remove carpet from loadspace floor and tailgate.
5. Fold back loadspace sound insulation to reveal access panel.
6. Remove access panel from floor.
7. Disconnect multi-plug from fuel sender unit.
8. Disconnect two fuel line unions from fuel pump.
9. Using service tool no. LRT-19-001, remove pump unit retaining ring. Withdraw unit from fuel tank.
WARNING: A quantity of fuel will be retained in body of unit, care must be taken to prevent fuel spillage when unit is removed.
Refit
10. Insert fuel pump into tank. Fit retaining ring. Tighten to 48 Nm.
11. Connect fuel lines to pump.
12. Connect multi-plug to sender unit.
13. After assembly, check all fuel pipes, sealing rings and hose connections are secure.
14. Run engine to check for fuel leaks.
15. Inspect access panel seal, fit a new seal if necessary.
16. Fit access panel and tighten screws.
17. Reverse removal procedure. 4 - 5. Fit insulation and carpet.
DEPRESSURISING FUEL SYSTEM
WARNING: Under normal operating conditions the Multiport fuel injection system is pressurised by a high pressure fuel pump, operating at up to 2.3 to 2.5 bar when engine is stationary pressure is maintained within system. To prevent pressurised fuel escaping and to avoid personal injury it is necessary to depressurise multiport fuel injection system before any service operations are carried out.
If vehicle has not been run there will be a small amount of residual pressure in fuel line. The depressurising procedure must still be carried out before disconnecting any component within the fuel system. The spilling of fuel is unavoidable during this operation. Ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent fire and explosion.
1. Remove fuel pump relay module.
2. Start and run engine.
3. When sufficient fuel has been used to cause fuel line pressure to drop, injectors will become inoperative, resulting in engine stall. Switch off ignition.
4. Disconnect battery negative lead.
NOTE: Fuel at low pressure will remain in system. To remove low pressure fuel, place absorbent cloth around fuel feed hose at fuel rail.
5. Disconnect either: a) Nut and olive at fuel rail
OR b) Hose at inlet end of fuel filter.
Refit
6. Refit fuel feed hose.
7. Refit fuel pump relay module, reconnect battery.
8. Crank engine (engine will fire in approximately 6 to 8 seconds).
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It seems like it can be done by most seasoned DIY'ers. You'll have to improvise to replace the two tools that most LR shops use to remove the pump. Its kind like a dome shaped wrench and a handle to turn with. Maybe you can ask LR to loan this out for a few days. They may agree if you are buying the parts from them.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
NB: LR Canada issued a recall notice for fuel tanks. Apparently, leaks have been detected around certain areas and LR is gracious enough to replace the entire fuel tank. Most LR owners affected have been notified.
