Now got a fuel leak

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 30 Jul 2007, 21:01

Following the LHM leak (now cured) I quickly noticed a small patch of vegetable oil under my car which I've identified as dripping (appx 1 drop per min) from the base of the fuel pump. It appears to leak only when the engine is running.

I can't see exactly where it's coming from so thought I'd post here to hopefully get a few pointers on where to look before I have to start removing parts to see all clearly.

Having run 100% veg oil for several hundred miles I'm suspecting it's either pump, pipe or connector. Is the pump serviceable?

Thanks,
Mike

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 30 Jul 2007, 21:14

Could be the pump shaft seal which is replaceable. The procedure will probably be different for Bosch and Roto-Diesel pumps. You may find instructions on here if you search but I'm not certain.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 30 Jul 2007, 21:31

Sorry, should have said it's a BOSCH (will try and find which model exactly)

I've read they can better withstand the higher viscosity of veg oil so I'm hoping it's nothing substantial that's failed.

Searching the forum now

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 30 Jul 2007, 22:00

It nay be one of the semi electronic pumps - which are broadly similar to a mechanical with some of the linkages replaced by electronics.

Diesel pumps are fine pieces of engineering and eminently repairable. They are made to extremely fine tolerances and all work must be done in such a manner to prevent any dirt getting into the thing. There are many independent specialists who can be found through yellow pages and whose charges are usually reasonable.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 31 Jul 2007, 16:42

Well I've looked and looked and looked and I can't see where it's coming from. It doesn't appear to be from the inlet pipe to the pump. Nor from the injector feed pipes and I'm pretty sure it's not from the return feed.

I'll get a diesel pump specialist to look at it if I have to (any recommendations in Christchurch/Dorset?) but cannot afford to spend money on anything I could do myself. Are there exploded diagrams for these pumps that I could view?

Unread post by **admiral51** » 31 Jul 2007, 16:50

mike
try this out not sure how pricey they may be

http://www.boschautoparts.co.uk/bdl/loc ... tProduct=1

try www.boschautoparts.co.uk

then dealer/agent locater

colin

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 31 Jul 2007, 17:34

Thanks Colin, didn't think of trying BOSCH direct

I spoke to a guy at Electro Diesel and he's quoted labour at £45 p.h. +VAT (diagnosis appx 90mins) or for a full pump service appx £350+VAT incl. parts.

What I did find interesting/worrying was when he hypothesised(sp?) "...if the pump has been contaminated in some way..." I hope not!

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 31 Jul 2007, 18:28

How can it take 90 minutes to tell you its got an external leak? Somehow I think there are more useful experts around and he's trying to make a simple job look difficult.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 31 Jul 2007, 20:31

I tend to agree, for when I told him £350 is about the worth of the car he then agreed to "pop his head under the bonnet and get an idea of what's what" if I just turn up at his premises.

I may pop in tomorrow morning but observations today show the leak has either lessened (barely a drop or two while parked) or it's taking a new path under the car and has yet to saturate the area enough to drip onto the ground

weety · Unread post by **weety** » 01 Aug 2007, 00:09

i have had diesel pumps go on XUD's i havent been running on veggy (so i think its cruel to blame the poor vegetables

)....

just get yourself another diesel pump they are about £100 from a specialist citroen breaker and who knows how much from a little scrappy

really really easy to change as you bolt the flywheel in position and then just remove the pump (no need to worry about engine timing)

Unread post by **lolingram** » 01 Aug 2007, 16:05

I got one off eBay for £15 in good nick

I understand that XUD generic Bosch with turbo diaphragm inlet connection are pretty well universal - especially those before the coded starting electrics which is the way to go IMHO

have had diesel pumps go on XUD's i havent been running on veggy (so i think its cruel to blame the poor vegetables Very Happy )....

just get yourself another diesel pump they are about £100 from a specialist citroen breaker and who knows how much from a little scrappy

really really easy to change as you bolt the flywheel in position and then just remove the pump (no need to worry about engine timing)

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 01 Aug 2007, 18:28

weety wrote:i have had diesel pumps go on XUD's i havent been running on veggy (so i think its cruel to blame the poor vegetables )....

Ok, it was a best guess I admit and I'd read veg oil is 5-7 times thicker than diesel.

Apologies to any disgruntled rapeseeds.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 03 Aug 2007, 18:25

Went to a local BOSCH service centre and he estimated £650 for a full pump service/rebuild. I told him another centre quoted me £350+VAT and so he advised I go there

like they do.

Obviously I don't want the full rebuild, just the leak cured which I'm hoping will be within my meagre budget but one thing he said that concerned me was that it may "upset the balance" requiring full testing and calibration at further cost.

Apart from my elderly parents complaining of the stain I leave on their driveway, I'm happy to leave it as it is for now.

Unread post by **lolingram** » 03 Aug 2007, 20:09

Frankly, I cannot begin to understand why you would want to go down this route, when a good S/H one will cost peanuts...

Went to a local BOSCH service centre and he estimated £650 for a full pump service/rebuild. I told him another centre quoted me £350+VAT and so he advised I go there Laughing like they do.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 03 Aug 2007, 22:23

I wouldn't take that route, the car cost me less. But the huge difference in quotes tells me it could be worth shopping around for a simple repair by a bosch trained mechanic.

How do you tell a good used pump pump from a bad one? I don't even know what model mine is and I've never removed or fitted one before, is it a straight replacement job?

I would have said my pump was a good 'un until recently