Changed lift pump

payydg · Jan 11, 2017

Going to change my lift pump on my 200tdi defender cos I think it's sucking in air.

Looks incredibly simple but I've always had a nightmare with anything bolted onto the engine (the memory of changing my thermostat housing still
Brings me out in a cold sweat).

Other than soaking it all in plusgas any other tips from those who have gone before me? Run the engine till it's hot?

I just don't want another snapped bolt on my hands

mojo247 · Jan 11, 2017

you sure it's the lift pump and not a fuel line letting in air.

tottot · Jan 11, 2017

In the fuel pipe just before the lift pump I have a piece of clear pipe to check for air bubbles,after the pump fuel would leak out.Why do you think the pump it's self is leaking air? Are you loosing engine power?

payydg · Jan 11, 2017

tottot said:
In the fuel pipe just before the lift pump I have a piece of clear pipe to check for air bubbles,after the pump fuel would leak out.Why do you think the pump it's self is leaking air? Are you loosing engine power?

mojo247 said:
you sure it's the lift pump and not a fuel line letting in air.

It's struggled to start. Takes about 10s of cranking over and pumping the accelerator to get it started. Once started runs fine. I've just replaced the injector run off pipes. All other lines in the engine bay seem fine.

Heard the lift pump is often a source of air. It's old and the priming handle doesn't work anymore so thought I'd just replace it.

mojo247 · Jan 11, 2017

might sound like a dumb question but does it start better if you're facing downhill?

if yes, then there's definitely air getting in and it would be worth double checking the fuel pipes before taking off the pump!

payydg · Jan 11, 2017

mojo247 said:
might sound like a dumb question but does it start better if you're facing downhill?

if yes, then there's definitely air getting in and it would be worth double checking the fuel pipes before taking off the pump!

Haven't tried that! Will see if I can find a hill. How many other fuel lines are there to check. Other than all the Ones in the engine bay and the one from the fuel tank to lift pump.

mojo247 · Jan 11, 2017

start at the pump and work your way back to the tank

tottot · Jan 11, 2017

The fuel filter is often the cause of air leaks.

payydg · Jan 11, 2017

Will have a check

lynall · Jan 11, 2017

payydg said:
Going to change my lift pump on my 200tdi defender cos I think it's sucking in air.

Looks incredibly simple but I've always had a nightmare with anything bolted onto the engine (the memory of changing my thermostat housing still
Brings me out in a cold sweat).

Other than soaking it all in plusgas any other tips from those who have gone before me? Run the engine till it's hot?

I just don't want another snapped bolt on my hands

The lift pump itself os a doddle, what you have to be careful is to make sure the pipe fittings go in square before tightening them as very easy to get them ****ed and then cause all sorts of hassle.

payydg · Jan 11, 2017

lynall said:
The lift pump itself os a doddle, what you have to be careful is to make sure the pipe fittings go in square before tightening them as very easy to get them ****ed and then cause all sorts of hassle.

So not your classic bolt snapping job?

Marmaduke · Jan 11, 2017

payydg said:
So not your classic bolt snapping job?

Not really as they shouldn't be hugely tightened up, recommend using a hex socket as opposed to a bi hex to avoid rounding the heads though

Oldseadog · Jan 11, 2017

payydg said:
It's struggled to start. Takes about 10s of cranking over and pumping the accelerator to get it started. Once started runs fine.

Why DFNL are you pumping the accelerator FFS??

Keep your foot off the go faster pedal, preheat and then turn over!

You can hit the go-go once she's fired up.

Now be a good lad and come back when you have learned how to start your engine properly!!

payydg · Jan 11, 2017

Oldseadog said:
Why DFNL are you pumping the accelerator FFS??
Keep your foot off the go faster pedal, preheat and then turn over!
You can hit the go-go once she's fired up.
Now be a good lad and come back when you have learned how to start your engine properly!!

Lol, well yes I have started it before, but thank you. Currently that's the only way it starts. With out any accelerator it just turns over and doesn't catch. With a bit of accelerator it splutters then catches and then runs fine. I'm assuming there's air in the system that needs to be purged.

payydg · Jan 11, 2017

Marmaduke said:
Not really as they shouldn't be hugely tightened up, recommend using a hex socket as opposed to a bi hex to avoid rounding the heads though

Great thanks. By the looks of things it takes a 6mm Allen key/socket. Might just change it anyhow in that case.

Marmaduke · Jan 11, 2017

payydg said:
Great thanks. By the looks of things it takes a 6mm Allen key/socket. Might just change it anyhow in that case.

I'm sure that they are 10mm bolts on mine, not a big fan of Allen bolts as they have a tendency to fill up with oily crud and they're a pain to clean out in awkward places

payydg · Jan 11, 2017

Marmaduke said:
I'm sure that they are 10mm nuts on mine, not a big fan of Allen bolts as they have a tendency to fill up with oily crud and they're a pain to clean out in awkward places

Wish they were on mine. They look full of gunk and rust. Currently soaking in plusgas. Will give them a good clean out tomorrow.

Oldseadog · Jan 12, 2017

payydg said:
Lol, well yes I have started it before, but thank you. Currently that's the only way it starts. With out any accelerator it just turns over and doesn't catch. With a bit of accelerator it splutters then catches and then runs fine. I'm assuming there's air in the system that needs to be purged.

How long is your preheat on for?
Are your heater plugs all working OK?

payydg · Jan 12, 2017

That was a simple job. Pump changes and problem seems to be solved. Thanks for the help everyone.

Oldseadog · Jan 12, 2017

Pleased to hear you have got it sorted.

Changed lift pump

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