Freelander 1 Diesel in sump

Hi guys,
I think that diesel might be getting into the sump of my 2004 Freelander 1 TD4 Auto current mileage 69k, owned since 2016. It never uses oil between services so I got a bit lazy on checking the level on the dip stick. So I was rather alarmed to see the level way up ( almost off the top of the plastic bit) when I checked it the other day. It is not using any coolant or overheating so I am discounting the old cherry of a blown head gasket. This just seems to leave diesel getting into the sump with potentially dire consequences to the engine in the form of lubrication break down or even hydro lock. Previous posts indicate prime suspects as being leaky injectors or the seal blowing on the HPFP ( high pressure fuel pump) and dumping diesel straight into the sump.

Pricing new parts, a new (exchange) HPFP comes out at about £250, not too bad. But new injectors at about £1k for a set of four is not so good! ( although reconditioned at £100 each a bit less painful.) I also see that the auto uses a different injector part number 8510027 to the manual STC 4555 which is weird. Some forums mention the ECU but I have not priced one yet. I am long past the "poke and hope" stage of fault diagnosis, just replacing bits at random in the hope it will fix things! So I will get professional help with the diagnosis before shelling out for new bits. Will a regular MOT type garage have the equipment required or should I be looking at going to a LR specialist?
Your advice much appreciated.
All the best and keep safe,
Clive

When was the PCV filter last changed ?

A blocked crankcase filter causes crankcase pressure to build up - usually seen by oil coming up the dipstick tube.
This pressure then blows the turbo seals - sudden drop in power
followed by oil under pressure and a pressurised crankcase
recipe for a runaway diesel engine.

When was the PCV filter last changed ? also when was the engine oil last changed, as to much oil been added at the last service, first change the PCV filter and drop the old oil and go from there.

Thanks for that. I changed the oil 3k miles ago and I never overfill. It was on my "to do" list over the summer to either renew the PCV filter or replace it with one of the updated types that act as an oil trap and cannot block. I bought the car at 52k miles and it is now at 69k so the PCV may never have been changed. And I intended to fit an EGR blanker at the same time. But I always check the oil level with the engine stopped and by wiping the dipstick in other words the "static" level. Taking out the dipstick should vent any crankcase pressure. But I agree that for now doing an oil change is a good first step and then very carefully watch the level.

Mine topped up the oil!! It was the hp pump seals.
Careful that it doesn't do what mine did and run on with the diesel in the crankcase and turned off with key in hand it ran for a few mins.
Fortunately it stopped itself!!.

andyfreelandy said:

Fortunately it stopped itself!!.

Click to expand...

Is that the one that then suffered crankshaft failure Andy?

Indeed. About 5 years later. Maybe connected, crank certainly wasn't!!!

Thank you all.
I am coming to the conclusion that the HPFP is the prime suspect but need a way to positively confirm this diagnosis. I found this very informative YouTube video which shows a pump being replaced, where it is and what it does:-



Note that at the very beginning the mechanic says diagnosis was in that case based on a bad external leak. But how to diagnose an internal leak direct into the sump?
And of course I mean without removing the pump first?

Clive

If fuel is getting into the sump, and there isn't clouds of white smoke when starting from cold, then it's the HP pump input shaft seal leaking, as there's nowhere else fuel can enter the engine.

No need to remove the Y section for the coolant there is enough room to remove the HPFP once the starter is out of the way, also if using a second hand HPFP it would be wise to change out the Regulator O-rings.
1
2

They can be serviced with new O-ring kits.
3

4

5

6

7