Freelander 1 TD4, pre-facelift fuel filter(s)

Could someone throw a bit of light on the fuel filter situation on the TD4 for me, please? In particular a late 2001 car. It appears to have TWO fuel filters, just for the engine. There's a conventional screw-in canister one, which I've already changed, and a long, thin, aluminium inline one right next to it (which I'm about to change). As far as I can see, they both filter fuel to the engine. Isn't that overkill? Do they have different functions? Haynes manual helpfully says "renew fuel filter" every 5 years / 60,000 miles, but doesn't say which one!

I also notice a mention in the Haynes manual of a fuel "sedimenter" under the car, by the tank, but it then says (2003 Model Year only). Before I go under the car looking for it, does mine have one?

Lastly, are there any other fuel filters I ought to be looking at? Does the Fuel Burning Heater have one?

Just an idea, the second one couldn't be the fuel pump could it!!! I know it sounds daft but on my 2002 the fuel pump does look like a thin filter on the later cars and it mounts next to the screw on.

Don't shoot me if I'm wrong!!!

No sedimenter prior to 2004 my.

andyfreelandy said:

Just an idea, the second one couldn't be the fuel pump could it!!! I know it sounds daft but on my 2002 the fuel pump does look like a thin filter on the later cars and it mounts next to the screw on.

Don't shoot me if I'm wrong!!!

Click to expand...

No, it's definitely a filter. I've bought the replacement and that' definitely a filter too. All I can think, is that it just seems to be Landrover going absolutely nuts with filtration. Not, in itself a bad thing, of course, just surprised me.

andyfreelandy said:

No sedimenter prior to 2004 my.

Click to expand...

Thanks that's useful to know. Will have a look under mine in a bit.

Never heard of 2 filters together. Pre 2004 that I have seen is pump and filter in engine bay with another pump in tank. Post 2004 is filter and pump in rear wheel arch, no pump in tank. Hey ho - maybe a special or a 2001 bonus buy !!!

Where is the pump on your special set up ?? Photo for the records would be helpful. Thanks

Here is a 2001 TD4 arrangement.

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/attachments/a_pumpfilter-jpg.35847/
I wonder if a previous owner has changed the pump for a filter from a later car and put two filters in. I think it would fit. In which case your tank pump is working hard !!!

Filter post 2004. I see some late 2003 also had this - fitted in rear wheel arch.
Fuel pump fitted pre 2003 under bonnet on LHS. Post 2003 in rear wheel arch with above filter.
Pre 2003 fuel filter fitted under bonnet on LHS.

See where I am going with this ! The late model filter and the fuel pump look identical except for plug connector. Has yours got a spare 2 pin plug in the area of the filters !!?????

andyfreelandy said:

Here is a 2001 TD4 arrangement.

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/attachments/a_pumpfilter-jpg.35847/
I wonder if a previous owner has changed the pump for a filter from a later car and put two filters in. I think it would fit. In which case your tank pump is working hard !!!

Click to expand...

Yes, it's in that plastic holder where you've written "pump", just under the ECUs. Several online sites list it as a filter for mine. I've never actually seen the pump! I'd always assumed it was in the tank, like most cars. I'm going to feel a right *&^$% if I go out to do the job and find that the "filter" is actually a pump!

I'll keep you posted....

andyfreelandy said:

Filter post 2004. I see some late 2003 also had this - fitted in rear wheel arch.

Fuel pump fitted pre 2003 under bonnet on LHS. Post 2003 in rear wheel arch with above filter.

Pre 2003 fuel filter fitted under bonnet on LHS.

See where I am going with this ! The late model filter and the fuel pump look identical except for plug connector. Has yours got a spare 2 pin plug in the area of the filters !!?????

Click to expand...

Fuel filter and pump changed position to the rear wheel arch part way through MY2002 from VIN 2A209831

Avocet1 said:

Yes, it's in that plastic holder where you've written "pump", just under the ECUs. Several online sites list it as a filter for mine. I've never actually seen the pump! I'd always assumed it was in the tank, like most cars. I'm going to feel a right *&^$% if I go out to do the job and find that the "filter" is actually a pump!

I'll keep you posted....

Click to expand...

OK guys, thanks for the replies. I now officially feel a right *&^$% ... It is, indeed, a pump...




Pssssst! Anybody want a nice, unused, Mahle inline filter for a 2002 onwards TD4? Free to a good home!

Had to be!! Although a chance that a po changed it in error. Would be interesting to see the low pressure with just the tank pump working. Could be a get you home fix.

Thanks for coming back to us.

Seriously, happy to post my now useless filter to anyone who wants it - no good to me now!