Freelander 1 (K series) Fuel Pump Question

Hi, does anyone know if the integral fuel pump on the Freelander should run continuous? I have a 1998 model and I have now fitted THREE fuel pumps (with their filters) in the last four years. In the last week the car has started stuttering as I go through the gears and seems to lack power when cruising, also it only seems to happen when the engines warmed up! I Checked plugs, points leads etc. and all seem fine, but if I turn the ignition on but don't start it the pump just runs and runs and runs.....they all have, anyone got any pointers, I don't want to get a fixation over these pumps but could it be yet another one has gone South?? Many thanks.

The pump runs for a few seconds after the ignition is first turned on, without starting. Then once the engine is started, runs continuously until the engine is switched off again. Are you buying cheap pumps? Cheap pumps have a very short life, compared to factory original pumps.

Nodge68 said:

The pump runs for a few seconds after the ignition is first turned on, without starting. Then once the engine is started, runs continuously until the engine is switched off again. Are you buying cheap pumps? Cheap pumps have a very short life, compared to factory original pumps.

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Hi Nodge68, many thanks for your reply....yes got to confess that I've bought these off eBay and I suppose you get what you pay for! Is it best to get a direct Land Rover OEM or can you recommend a good quality pump that is time proven. I meant to say in my original post that the car has been standing for virtually 12 months, just started every few weeks and driven around the block a few times.....are these pumps one of these 'common issues' you so often read about, what is it that actually controls the pump, some type of pressure regulator I assume. Again thanks and regards.

Bob_In_Spain said:

Hi Nodge68, many thanks for your reply....yes got to confess that I've bought these off eBay and I suppose you get what you pay for! Is it best to get a direct Land Rover OEM or can you recommend a good quality pump that is time proven. I meant to say in my original post that the car has been standing for virtually 12 months, just started every few weeks and driven around the block a few times.....are these pumps one of these 'common issues' you so often read about, what is it that actually controls the pump, some type of pressure regulator I assume. Again thanks and regards.

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The factory pumps are very long lived. They generally only fail because the filter clogs up. Once the filter is clogged, the pump has to work harder. However the pump is cooled by the fuel flowing through it. When the filter is clogged, fuel flowing through the pump is reduced, so hot running takes place. This is hot running the main cause of factory pump failure. If the filter is changed at the correct intervals, pump life is very long.


Cheap EBay pumps generally last no time at all, and are best avoided.

OE or genuine is the best way to guarantee quality.

Nodge68 said:

The factory pumps are very long lived. They generally only fail because the filter clogs up. Once the filter is clogged, the pump has to work harder. However the pump is cooled by the fuel flowing through it. When the filter is clogged, fuel flowing through the pump is reduced, so hot running takes place. This is hot running the main cause of factory pump failure. If the filter is changed at the correct intervals, pump life is very long.


Cheap EBay pumps generally last no time at all, and are best avoided.

OE or genuine is the best way to guarantee quality.

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Looks like a new OEM pump then.....cheers!!