When the end of an early type glow plug breaks and disappears into the engine should I try to take steps to retrieve the bits or hope that they will be blown out? I am concerned about damage, don't want to take the head off, but was thinking of turning the engine over with the new glow plug...

I have just managed to fix it, and I now have 7 psi. Thanks for your input. Faber

I'll keep trying. What about putting it back without the spring with 4 psi?

I dismantled this lift pump only to find that I cannot locate the t shaped diaphragm rod back in place using the spring. If I leave the spring out there is no problem although the psi goes down to 4. I can buy a new lift pump or fit an electric one but I would like to be able to fix this...

Thanks. I do the same but I wondered how to measure the rpm at cranking speed. I had some information about this from another member. Faber

This is very useful. I suppose I can use it most easily on the belt pulley which I have already marked with a white dot for timing. Faber

Thank you. Faber

Thanks

Is it possible to measure cranking rpm on a Series 3 diesel, and if so how? Thanks Faber

Thanks for that. As I said, what I can't understand is that the injectors and pump work when on a bench driven by a drill attachment with gravity feed, but not when the pump is driven by the quill shaft in the engine again by gravity feed. I use a rubber primer for both, to expel any air...

Yes, although I did have a problem with air entering just before the lift pump which I fixed. Thanks for the info Steve

Yes, although I did have a problem with air entering just before the lift pump which I fixed. Thanks for the info Steve.

I am not sure. I am away for a couple of weeks. Sorry

Yes, for about two days. Thanks

Some time ago it wouldn't start. I attached an injector to the distributor pump out of the engine as per workshop manual and it wouldn't spray. Fast forward to a gravity feed on a bench with a drill rotating the pump....the injectors all sprayed. To see whether this would work on of the same...

Some time ago it wouldn't start. I attached an injector to the distributor pump out of the engine as per workshop manual and it wouldn't spray. Fast forward to a gravity feed on a bench with a drill rotating the pump....the injectors all sprayed. To see whether this would work on of the same...

Thanks a lot. Your replies have been most helpful. At the moment I have the original mechanical lift pump off the vehicle...sometimes it works...sometimes it doesn't... so I want to go for something that is accessible and easier to fix. I shall probably be pestering you again later!

Thanks for getting back so quickly. Is it best to fit it near the fuel tank or doesn't it really matter?

I have a Series 3 1980 diesel with the need to replace the lift pump and wondered whether it would be OK to fit an electric one, since I believe some members have already done so. I was thinking of blanking off the original pump, fitting a T to the hose leading to filter to accommodate the fuel...

I think the seal at the bottom of the spindle is leaking and would like to replace it but don't know whether you can do it without a special tool, like clamping the drive and removing the Allen bolt. It is very smooth so I should think that is no-go. Any advice greatly appreciated - like how to...