$4,000 for a new fuel pump? Really???

[GregMilner]

My mate's 2009 RRS 3.6 TDV8 crapped out the other day with a faulty alternator. $2,500 to fit a new one. Drove it home from the repairer and on the way it went into limp mode. Back to the specialist repairer - they tell him they think it's the fuel pump. $4,000 for a new one, ex Sydney (to Perth).

Is that fair dinkum? Anyone have any experience with this?

[Ean Austral]

Dont know whats more scary , that , or the $2500 to fit an alternator.

Just cured me from buying a RRS TDV8

Sorry cant help with the question.

Cheers Ean

[lewy]

Range Rover Sport TDV8 3 6 Fuel Pump TDV8 IN Tank Fuel Pump Module 3 6 TDV8 NEW | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/range-rover-sport-tdv8-3-6-fuel-pump-tdv8-in-tank-fuel-pump-module-3-6-tdv8-new-/261523476356)

[p38arover]

Dont know whats more scary , that , or the $2500 to fit an alternator.

Just cured me from buying a RRS TDV8

Me, too! And people think we P38A owners have it tough!

[lewy]

and
range rover sport tdv8 alternator 3.6 tdv8 l322 alternator yle500430 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/range-rover-sport-tdv8-alternator-3-6-tdv8-l322-alternator-yle500430-/261428851125)

[scarry]

This type of thing definitely doesn't help the LR brand.:(

Was that the stealers price or an Indi?

[Lotz-A-Landies]

and
range rover sport tdv8 alternator 3.6 tdv8 l322 alternator yle500430 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/range-rover-sport-tdv8-alternator-3-6-tdv8-l322-alternator-yle500430-/261428851125)or 354.00 GBP
range rover sport tdv8 3.6 fuel pump tdv8 in tank fuel pump module 3.6 tdv8 new | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/range-rover-sport-tdv8-3-6-fuel-pump-tdv8-in-tank-fuel-pump-module-3-6-tdv8-new-/261523476356?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3ARange+Rover+Sport%7CCars+Type%3A3.6+T D+8&hash=item3ce4038f84)

Why did it come from the Eastern States? Rovercraft head office is in Perth? http://www.rovacraft.com.au/
Unit 2/105 Broadway Bassendean WA 6054 . Ph: +61 8 9377 0080 . Fax: +61 8 9377 0399

[GregMilner]

Range Rover Sport TDV8 3 6 Fuel Pump TDV8 IN Tank Fuel Pump Module 3 6 TDV8 NEW | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/range-rover-sport-tdv8-3-6-fuel-pump-tdv8-in-tank-fuel-pump-module-3-6-tdv8-new-/261523476356)

Thanks Lewy, have forwarded to my sad-faced friend:)

[GregMilner]

or 354.00 GBP
range rover sport tdv8 3.6 fuel pump tdv8 in tank fuel pump module 3.6 tdv8 new | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/range-rover-sport-tdv8-3-6-fuel-pump-tdv8-in-tank-fuel-pump-module-3-6-tdv8-new-/261523476356?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3ARange+Rover+Sport%7CCars+Type%3A3.6+T D+8&hash=item3ce4038f84)

Why did it come from the Eastern States? Rovercraft head office is in Perth? Rovacraft (http://www.rovacraft.com.au/)
Unit 2/105 Broadway Bassendean WA 6054 . Ph: +61 8 9377 0080 . Fax: +61 8 9377 0399

Don't know the answer to that, Wilf Chambers looks after both my car and his, presume Wilf has access to the best parts supplies...

[kelvo]

Although the parts are 'cheap' ( Your Search Results > (http://www.brit-car.co.uk/search.php?xSearch=yle500430) & http://www.brit-car.co.uk/search.php?xSearch=Wgs500110 ) how hard or easy are they to fit?

But even if you look at an alternator for maybe $1500AUD I can't see how there is $1000 worth of labour?

Even worse with the pump replacement, don't they have the hatch in the floor under the carpet?

[GregMilner]

Apparently it was a full day's work to remove the failed alternator and fit the new one.
Don't know the intricacies of removing and refitting a fuel pump though.

[Didge]

A days work - pigs arse! I've checked diagrams of the V8 and Disco V6 and the alternator appears to be in identical positions. Check out the video below - doesn't look that hard does it? The stealers should sack whoever is taking a day to do the job.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF37q7XlOsQ

[Blknight.aus]

Im about to let you in on one of the many secrets of my trade.

in every manual (except haynes) there is a magical instruction or step zero. once someone who knows the dark arts of engine wrangling has read the rest of the instructions this secret instruction is revealed. Sometimes its just a hint others its a important step that otherwise omitted that makes a 10 minute job into 5 or 6 days if your dont follow it...

geerally tho its a description that outlines the best method of access..

becaue I like to flaunt some of you might have heard me or heard me quoted to say what was the most common one which is "dont forget the first step is to insert the mechanic into the engine bay."

now this secret instruction which has in one form or another been around since ugg said to ogg "looks like its done a bearing mate, big job, cost ya a carton and parts" as he sucked air in through his teeth not long after they got finished inventing the wheel and working out beer.

back then the instruction was always pretty simple "open the bonnet and reach in" and that worked right the way up to the series. later it evolved into open the bonnet stand up on the spare and reach over to....
which covered the v8s...

then it evolved into insert the mechanic into the engine bay. not for much but just eough to justify it because of hidden bolts that you just cant see or get to otherwise...

and then it got interesting...

with the development of jap micro cramming lots of stuff into smaller and smaller engine bays the instructions began to get wierd.. "cross breed a midget with an octopus, and give it cert II in automotive mechanics"

then it got industrial.
"remove the engine bay from the engine and reach in"

nd now its just plain freaky again with some jobs requiring that you first remove the engine bay and the get your halfbreed automidgpusanic involved.



Change an alternator as an example basically doubles in price with each step down the list you take..

$75 for a series
$150 for a v8 series or county
$300 for a disco
$600 for a td5
$1200 for your p38s and the like
$2400 for anything newer.

Its not that we're trying to rip you off but ever since jackass and the porn industry has been offering midgets good money for easier work, and I dont blame them persoally , I mean can you imagine how hard and messy it would be for someone with 4 stubby little limbs to... you get the idea so lets just say that the supply of cephelodgets suitable for training to get spanners into hard to reach places on vehicles has really dried up over recent years

[lewy]

Ean,Dont forget to tell your friend that there is a huge difference between cheap and cheap and nasty.There is some parts that i would not use anything but genuine,Water pump is one that comes to mind.

[Redback]

I'd be going elsewhere, your mechanic is ripping you off, your mechanic, should be able to go to the local LR Dealer to get the part and there should be no shipping charges, regarless of where the part is coming from.

AND

Shop around for parts, there are locally based aftermarket importers that are half if not less than half the price of Land Rover parts from a dealer, also, look at UK based parts specialist, often they are even cheaper, even with postage.

Baz.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Although the parts are 'cheap' ( Your Search Results > (http://www.brit-car.co.uk/search.php?xSearch=yle500430) & Your Search Results > (http://www.brit-car.co.uk/search.php?xSearch=Wgs500110) ) how hard or easy are they to fit?

But even if you look at an alternator for maybe $1500AUD I can't see how there is $1000 worth of labour?

Even worse with the pump replacement, don't they have the hatch in the floor under the carpet?Unlike the RRc and Disco 1 & 2 for may operations on the D4 and RRS its a body off procedure. If so that is the reason why replacing the tank unit is soooo expensive.

[Rok_Dr]

or 354.00 GBP
range rover sport tdv8 3.6 fuel pump tdv8 in tank fuel pump module 3.6 tdv8 new | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/range-rover-sport-tdv8-3-6-fuel-pump-tdv8-in-tank-fuel-pump-module-3-6-tdv8-new-/261523476356?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3ARange+Rover+Sport%7CCars+Type%3A3.6+T D+8&hash=item3ce4038f84)

Why did it come from the Eastern States? Rovercraft head office is in Perth? Rovacraft (http://www.rovacraft.com.au/)
Unit 2/105 Broadway Bassendean WA 6054 . Ph: +61 8 9377 0080 . Fax: +61 8 9377 0399

Karcraft perhaps?

As for prices, compare apples with apples. I've generally found the general pecking order from cheapest to most expensive to be


Generic copy parts (often chinese)
Aftermarket pattern (known manufacturer)
OEM manufacturer for Landrover
Landrover genuine.

If there is a significant labour cost in getting in and out to replace the part then I'd use Landrover or OEM quality, nothing less. You don't want to do the job twice, because the cheap part failed.

Also if you use a mechanic to do the work then let them supply the parts as they will warranty the entire job. If you supply your own to save a few bucks and they fail then its your problem and you may be up for more labour $.

And on a final note I've been a long term client of Wilf's as well and I've found his parts charges very reasonable.

Cheers

Steve

[p38arover]

Change an alternator as an example basically doubles in price with each step down the list you take..

$1200 for your p38s and the like

Nah, dead easy on a P38A, probably easier than a pre-serpentine RRC. The alternator is, however, dearer.

[Ean Austral]

Ean,Dont forget to tell your friend that there is a huge difference between cheap and cheap and nasty.There is some parts that i would not use anything but genuine,Water pump is one that comes to mind.


If I had a friend Lewy I woud be sure to tell them. Think you may have been referring to the O/P, not me


Cheers Ean

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Karcraft perhaps?

<snip>.

Cheers
SteveHi Steve

Karcraft are in Silverwater (Sydney) as are several other LR parts importers, including British Motor Imports and the NSW branch of Rovacraft.

I was suggesting that WA members should check the price with Rovercraft who import to WA and then ship to their other branches. So while prices may be similar you'll save money and time on shipping.

[Rok_Dr]

:oops2: Lotz-A-Landies. I should have put brain in gear and read your post a bit slower :angel:

Cheers

Steve

[lpj]

Subaru wanted 3K for a power steering pump for our MY04 Liberty.

Replacement parts from any dealer for any brand is usually highway robbery!

[lewy]

If I had a friend Lewy I woud be sure to tell them. Think you may have been referring to the O/P, not me
i'll be your friend Ean.[Even if you have a falcon ute]

[Ean Austral]

If I had a friend Lewy I woud be sure to tell them. Think you may have been referring to the O/P, not mei'll be your friend Ean.[Even if you have a falcon ute]


OK how much ?:wasntme:


Cheers Ean

[Graeme]

Unlike the RRc and Disco 1 & 2 for may operations on the D4 and RRS its a body off procedure. If so that is the reason why replacing the tank unit is soooo expensive.Not body off, just unbolt then lower the tank.

I wondered if the cost referred to the HP fuel pump although I'd expect that to cost more.

[stuee]

So three pages and not much useful said. Is the $2400 to replace an alternator a realistic price? Even if using genuine parts it seems outrageous. Sounds like its not a body off exercise.

Is the $4000 quoted for what looks like a low pressure fuel pump in the tank reasonable? As Graeme said you have to assume its the hpfp at that cost.

I thought my next car would be a late model disco but if those are the sort of part replacement costs that people are happy with for what are reasonably basic parts (assuming low pressure pump) and that's actually being paid Ill be getting a Prado.

I would have said that the service centre is having a lend but by the sounds of it some think those prices are fair game.

[Blknight.aus]

Nah, dead easy on a P38A, probably easier than a pre-serpentine RRC. The alternator is, however, dearer.

Compounded penalty rates apply. Auto Steerer X tradesman impairment factor(*)
(*)Increased task difficulty, maintainer required to complete taskb one handed as vehicle has no flat surface to rest beer can.

[ozscott]

I think we have to accept that if want the latest vehicles with more stuff in it it will 1. Be far more cramped in the engine bay with body often coming off for work and 2. Be far more expensive to fix than earlier models. Now lease guys who role their vehicle over in warranty dont care...fair one. But for those who keep their vehices 5, 10 years or more reliability and ability to service at reasonable cost and time is actually an issue. Once manufacturers actually turned half a mind to fixability...not now. They want you to love the bling so much you will either pay big bucks to get it fixee or trade to a newer version often. For those looking at holding on to vehices long term the late model Land Rovers will cost you more than earlier ones its as simple as that.

I also have difficulty with people who have not lifted tools under a vehicle speculating how long a job should take. I come from a family of mechanics and have done mechanical work myself. I avoid the technical stuff. Jobs rarely go smoothly and there is always more time taken than how the manual portrays it.

Cheers

Cheers

[TerryO]

So three pages and not much useful said. Is the $2400 to replace an alternator a realistic price? Even if using genuine parts it seems outrageous. Sounds like its not a body off exercise.

Is the $4000 quoted for what looks like a low pressure fuel pump in the tank reasonable? As Graeme said you have to assume its the hpfp at that cost.

I thought my next car would be a late model disco but if those are the sort of part replacement costs that people are happy with for what are reasonably basic parts (assuming low pressure pump) and that's actually being paid Ill be getting a Prado.

I would have said that the service centre is having a lend but by the sounds of it some think those prices are fair game.


And you know for sure that Prado's don't have similar high costing repairs required?

As others have explained, these parts can be bought a lot cheaper than a dealer charges for them and if your smart enough to have found a good independent by the time your Rover runs out of warranty then chances are the cost for parts and fitting will be much lower than at a dealer workshop.

I find it amusing when someone has a knee jerk reaction and says bugger it I'll buy a Toyota / Nissan or what ever when they read threads like this. If you have ever read Toyota forums they are full of similar horror story's, so feel free to jump from the frying pan into the fire, not much will change other than going from driving a an expensive to maintain superior handling, more comfortable and more capable 4wd to owning a expensive to maintain inferior handling, less comfortable and less capable 4wd.

[ozscott]

All top end brands are the same. If you talk RRS then the comparison vehicles are full fruit Lexus etc. I don't know if Lexus and Patrol etc have to have body removal so labour might be different but as a rule the current crop are crammed full of goodies that are expensive to replace. Cheers

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

Is it definitely the in-tank pump in question here?

I was chatting to a mate of mine over in Europe last night, he's a LR technician. He reckons 2hrs tops to swap the in-tank pump on a RRS.

[kelvo]

HPFP is defiantly a more expensive part Your Search Results > (http://www.brit-car.co.uk/search.php?xSearch=LR009737)

This I would expect to be a body off job to change, so $4000 is probably cheap, in an expensive kind of way.

[Graeme]

No need to remove a D4's body to R&R the HP pump unless there's other work to be done anyway.

[kelvo]

No need to remove a D4's body to R&R the HP pump unless there's other work to be done anyway.

In which case, if they are only changing the HPFP $4000 seems expensive.

But it is all speculation, unless OP can confirm exactly what the costs involve.

[stuee]

And you know for sure that Prado's don't have similar high costing repairs required?

As others have explained, these parts can be bought a lot cheaper than a dealer charges for them and if your smart enough to have found a good independent by the time your Rover runs out of warranty then chances are the cost for parts and fitting will be much lower than at a dealer workshop.

I find it amusing when someone has a knee jerk reaction and says bugger it I'll buy a Toyota / Nissan or what ever when they read threads like this. If you have ever read Toyota forums they are full of similar horror story's, so feel free to jump from the frying pan into the fire, not much will change other than going from driving a an expensive to maintain superior handling, more comfortable and more capable 4wd to owning a expensive to maintain inferior handling, less comfortable and less capable 4wd.

The OP's mate was going to an independent dealer/service agent - not a factory land rover dealer. They've had an alternator replaced for $2500 and now the independent dealer 'thinks' its the fuel pump causing issues and to lay out another $4000. Straight away the in-tank fuel pump was being thrown around and holy crap you have someone potentially paying $6500 to replace an alternator and in-tank fuel pump. That's the sort of money you pay for exotic cars, not prestige cars at an independent.

Check out: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l322-range-rover/180130-tdv8-alternator-replacement.html
https://www.lrdirect.com/YLE500430-Alternator-Assy/
Assume $1200 for a genuine land rover alt (Denso for half of that), 4-5 hours labour including diagnosis. The $2500 is indeed dealer pricing from an independent, and even then its pushing it. To have the fuel pump crap itself on the way home I'd be advising get a second opinion asap.

I agree $4k for a hpfp on a prestige diesel car is not that out of the question but the first post that raised that as a possibility was immediately before mine.

As an FYI, I've been looking at late model D3's/early D4's for a few months now with the realisation that the 101 is not going to be suitable for the impending baby. I've researched quite a bit around these and prices for major work seems quite reasonable but I never even looked around for things like alternators or in tank pumps because you generally make an assumption that they should be pretty simple to replace. Being the same platform, the RRS and D3/4 seem to have a lot of similarities so it was a bit out there to me that it was even still being debated.

The Prado, however, did came into the picture after the old man bought an ex-mines one as a toy for dirt cheap and has quite a significant amount of work done to it at a 4wd specialist here at very reasonable rates. While the Prado cant touch the Disco's for general drive or ability its a no-nonsense, no frills car - the biggest issue being the D4D with dodgy fuel it seems. The last thing you want for touring with a young family is to find out that you need a tow out bush or out of town because its a body off exercise to replace a in-tank fuel pump or alternator...

edit* I have made a assumption that Wilf Chambers is this guy, not a a bloke at Barbs or Southerns: http://www.britishcarsales.com.au/articles.php'static=RESTORATION

edit2* Removed a line in case it was taken to be personal.

[Didge]

....

I also have difficulty with people who have not lifted tools under a vehicle speculating how long a job should take. .........
Cheers

Cheers

Doesn't everyone who owns a LR (esp Defenders and older) pick up the tools?
Someone on here has their signature line as "LR - making mechanics out of drivers for 60 years" or something to that effect.
I thought everyone had a good crack at it themselves- least everyone I've met on the forum does. :)
Admittedly, electronics and auto electrical is a very tricky game to play.
But seriously, if you need to lift a body off the car to replace a bloody fuel pump or some other obvious consumable (probably not the right word) part, the auto designers need a right royal kick up the arse (no matter what car it is), don't ya think?

[TerryO]

I wonder how many times it has to be said before it sinks in, you don't have to take the body off to replace the fuel pump.

[clubagreenie]

If you think the pumps bad. A Veyron is 8000+pounds each, and there's 4. Cannot buy as a customer. The part is flown to the dealer with the tech to replace it.

[stuee]

I wonder how many times it has to be said before it sinks in, you don't have to take the body off to replace the fuel pump.

Less worrying about prado's and more about cleaning up the actual thread topic then?? :D:D

[bsperka]

Fyi : when the factory injectors fail (and apparently they willfail with little kms) replace with better quality after market.

[TerryO]

Less worrying about prado's and more about cleaning up the actual thread topic then?? :D:D


Whose worried about Prado's? ... not I my friend.

Personally I wouldn't own one as I reckon for what they are they are expensive junk but no one is stopping you, so if you want one which it sounds like you do then that's fine just go get one and good luck with it, end of story.

[ozscott]

Does the body have to come off to check the sump oil level? :D:D Kidding!

Cheers

[ozscott]

Whose worried about Prado's? ... not I.

Personally I wouldn't own one as I reckon they are junk but no one is stopping you, so if you want one which it sounds like you do then that's fine just go get one, end of story.

It would have to be one of the most singularly boring motor vehicles. Seeing the great sites of Australia is part of the journey, but the other and big part, is how much fun the journey is and for the fun factor you cannot beat a Land Rover.

Cheers

[stuart]

At that sort of coin its the Injection pump not the in tank. The injection pump RRP is a touch under 4k. We stock so it's a known issue. They joys of owning a LR.

Stu

[Melbourne Park]

I still have my 1997 Prado, and I sold a Kakadu 150 D4D 6 months ago. The Kakadu handled worse than my 1997 Prado did. It felt more solid, but very tank like. The rear axle in that had air levelling. The air setup looked very frail and puny compared to the Disco's. The Disco handles at another level too. Prado's are not boring though ... IMO ... the Kakadu though had a lot of complexity, and changing the suspension cost a fortune, unlike in a GXL, where its quite cheap to do so. Prado's have poor shockers and springs - you need to upgrade their suspensions. I would now only recommend a GXL Prado. Although the GXL has the worst seats made IMO, unless they are in their lowest position. Then they are just unforgiving ... visibility out of Prado's and 200s is very poor IMO too. The mirrors block your side front angle vision too IMO.

Back to being on topic - in 1997 Toyota replaced my new Prado's alternator - warranty of course. They said the parts cost of the alternator was - back in 1997 - $1,650. That would be a fair bit now.

The alternator was quite easy to get at. But to change the timing belts for the 3.4 litre V6 petrol motor is an expensive job. Not sure if the same belt that does the timing runs the alternator or not ...

Concerning fuel pumps - people say never to run the tank empty - because the fuel pump is cooled by the fuel in the tank, and hence emptying the tank lowers the life of the fuel pump.

[nivekau]

Apparently it was a full day's work to remove the failed alternator and fit the new one.
Don't know the intricacies of removing and refitting a fuel pump though.

As far as the alternator is concerned, I changed mine on 4.0L V6 in a couple of hours, maybe 3 at a stretch.

I bought the new alternator, which is a Denso YLE500410 from Karcraft in Sydney 02 9737 9944, for $621 + postage

Note: This was 2013 so they might have gone up a bit.

[Blknight.aus]

Does the body have to come off to check the sump oil level?

Cheers

it doesnt have to but it does make access eaiser and prevent you from dripping oil on the wing/radiator panel facia