Lift Pump :(

Hi All, I was wondering if someone could put my mind at rest. I am the proud owner of a 2002 Freelander TD4 GS (manual) (99k). and have enjoyed driving it for the past 8 years almost trouble free. In Feb 2009 the engine management light came on and it spluttered to a stop (70k). 2 weeks later with a new presure pump, fuel filter and Lift pump I was back on the roads. all was well till July 2010 when I felt 2 sudden flat spots when accelerating up a hill and I managed to nurse it home. Wouldnt start after stopping, back to the garage, 1 week later and 1 new lift pump and I was back on the road again. (85k). Sept 2011 when starting it took a while to fire up, started and drove 100 metres followed by a sudden flat spot I knew what was about to happen but couldnt do anything to keep the revs up. Another new lift pump required. Question is do they run all the time or do they just prime the fuel line? and is it likely something could be causing them to fail all the time I only do between 8 & 10k a year mostly short local journeys. Please help I like my Landy but the thought of replacing another pump has got me looking at other more reliable vehicles.

I'm pretty sure they run all the time. Mine failed earlier this year, but with different symptoms. One aftermarket pump later and all was well. Opinion seems to be divided about whether to get a genuine one or an aftermarket one though. I went for a "mid-range" aftermarket one for about £80. Seems OK, but time will tell.

Thanx Craig Ive fitted an aftermarket one this time as well, It has a one year guarantee so we'll see how it goes.

was there no guarantee with the others there is usually 12 months hope this helps