Defender 90 fuel problems

Hi,
Hope someone can give me a few pointers.

I have a 2000 TD5 and I think the fuel pump is dead. (Being a sort of intelligent bloke,I noticed that there is no fuel getting to the engine).

I am from South Africa and the cost of Landy spares are VERY high. The cost of a new pump here is 5000,00 Rand. Now I know if you convert to Pounds or $ that's not to bad but here it is.

A few of the chaps around here convinced me that an inline pump that pushes out the required 4kpa would push/pull the fuel thru the old pump no problem, and would be a cheaper alternative. (Not to mention easier, as you have to drop the tank to change the pump)

Great. With gusto I hacked out a part of the fuel line, put in the new pump, and got .. NOTHING!!..

I have put the new pump inline on the HP side to the engine, and all it does is spurt small amounts.

possibly there is a blockage? I assume you have check filters and fuel lines? Or the old pump could be seized in such a way that it is blocked or has sucked something nasty up into it.

Hmm. Could be. There goes my hope of NOT having to drop the tank. Well maybe I will cut an inspection hatch instead. Will make it the weekend project. Will let you know how it goes.

Well I finally did something. I changed the fuel pump (Bugger all this hassle with trying an inline) with a new TD5 pump (which i managed to get at a reduced rate. About 1500 SA Rand off). Cut a nice access hatch. and took me all of 1 hour, including the cutting of the hatch. My baby is as good as new.