Series2a Landy

New Member
Hi there,

[This is on a series 3 2.25 Diesel Engine]

Much to my annoyance I had just completed replacing the head gasket, putting in new injectors and lines tried to start the thing and it wouldn't go.....

When trying to start the engine the fuel pump would work manually (just to convince you that it was working) but the mechanical pump would not hit on the cam. Turns out that the pump itself was missing/broken some internals of the fuel pump (I was convinced that was the final issue.)

Anyway...replaced the fuel pump and still did not work. Shaved 1mm off the block spacer and tried again. Felt a bit of resistance now when tightening up the fuel pump bolts when refitting. Took it around the corner last night and it did not seem to cut out or struggle for fuel. I thought this was resolved and the new parts/washers had just pushed the pump slightly too far away from the cam. However, this morning it started up but then suddenly cut out (and would not restart). I can see (when I loosen the union clip/banjo bolt) that there is fuel coming out (definitely not squirting out but running out) only when I stop turning the engine over. I am very confused. Would rather not fit an electric fuel pump.

Has anyone had any similar issues in the past? Do I shave another 1mm of the block spacer and try again?

I hope someone on here can assist me with this absolute headache...

Thanks so much
 
What you are calling the fuel pump is the "lift pump." Nearly all replacement pumps on the market today are designed to fit tdi engines which have the spacer block cast into block and so come with spacer to fit previous models. Fit new type pump with no spacer and the arm bends, result no worky.
Some modern replacements are rubbish which is another problem. If you have original type with glass bowl and screw on top then. Overhaul kits are available.
 
What you are calling the fuel pump is the "lift pump." Nearly all replacement pumps on the market today are designed to fit tdi engines which have the spacer block cast into block and so come with spacer to fit previous models. Fit new type pump with no spacer and the arm bends, result no worky.
Some modern replacements are rubbish which is another problem. If you have original type with glass bowl and screw on top then. Overhaul kits are available.
This pump was advertised as the correct series 2/3 2.25 diesel pump. And was identical to the one that came off. Even had the same size spacer. Maybe I need to re-do my measurements. I did take off 1mm last evening and it seemed to have a bit more of a spring when fitting it back on the block.
 
Could be you have an over thick block, not much surprizes me these days when it comes to after market parts. A thin spacer is even made for tdi owners to move the lift pump away a bit to lessen the "strain" on the pump arm. Should you come across an original type as described above grab it.
 
IIRC correctly it is possible to install a series lift pump incorrectly by putting the lever arm the wrong side of the camshaft
 
Could be you have an over thick block, not much surprizes me these days when it comes to after market parts. A thin spacer is even made for tdi owners to move the lift pump away a bit to lessen the "strain" on the pump arm. Should you come across an original type as described above grab it.

It may well be...I’m going to try and shave another 1mm of this spacer that I have (luckily I have an identical spare if it all goes a bit wrong). I think I am being a bit too technical for such a big lump of metal.
 
IIRC correctly it is possible to install a series lift pump incorrectly by putting the lever arm the wrong side of the camshaft

interesting...I was unaware of this. Is there anyway you can check while inserting? Can I manually turn the engine over before and use a mirror and torch?
 
I got sick of poor lift pumps, and fitted a facet copy pump to my tdi a few years back, been zero issues to date.
 
I may be heading that way...was it an easy install?

Yes a doddle, i fitted pump as near to tank as possible.
Iirc the copy pump was about 10 quid.
I also made a blank plate for the engine block, but that is not essential.

Bonus is it makes bleeding a nothing job, turn key on and when pump slows you know you have fuel at the inj pump.
The TDI wll keep running wth the pump switched off (slightly down on power) as the inj pump has its own built in supply pump, but for the series it would make a handy anti theft device.

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Yes a doddle, i fitted pump as near to tank as possible.
Iirc the copy pump was about 10 quid.
I also made a blank plate for the engine block, but that is not essential.

Bonus is it makes bleeding a nothing job, turn key on and when pump slows you know you have fuel at the inj pump.
The TDI wll keep running wth the pump switched off (slightly down on power) as the inj pump has its own built in supply pump, but for the series it would make a handy anti theft device.

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