Thread: HPFP Constructive, considered opinions & advice welcome

Originally Posted by 101RRS

10 years ago there was a recall on these vehicles to replace the HPFP and the brake booster - the dealer did both in one day, so an independent who knows what they doing should be able to do yours in the same time.

Garry

So presumably (never assume anything) vehicles manufactured after 2009/10? would have the updated equipment from new?

Originally Posted by 101RRS

10 years ago there was a recall on these vehicles to replace the HPFP and the brake booster - the dealer did both in one day, so an independent who knows what they doing should be able to do yours in the same time.

Garry

I've seen time quoted of ~4.5 hours on a 2.7. I reckon that's absolutely do-able for a mechanic who does more than a couple per year. Honestly it cost me ~$1800 in parts, and I was getting quotes of ~$2500 for a complete "drive in / drive out" job. I don't think that's at all unreasonable if you don't want to take it on yourself.

A bit OT, but what causes the HPF pump to fail? If the low pressure pump's filter isn't restricting flow and the fuel is clean and free of contaminants, wouldn't you expect both pumps to last indefinitely?

Originally Posted by gavinwibrow

So presumably (never assume anything) vehicles manufactured after 2009/10? would have the updated equipment from new?

Yes.

If you search for LR recalls it will provide you with the historical dates.

Originally Posted by DieselLSE

A bit OT, but what causes the HPF pump to fail? If the low pressure pump's filter isn't restricting flow and the fuel is clean and free of contaminants, wouldn't you expect both pumps to last indefinitely?

The low pressure pump is a brush driven DC motor. It's going to wear out. Likewise, the feed pump on the HPFP is a vane pump. Regardless of the quality of lubricant, they are going to wear to some degree and where those wear particles go and what they interfere with would be a matter of luck.

"Apparently" the damage starts in the vanes of the feed pump which shed "sparklies" and these then cause damage to the bores/pistons in the control valves and it's on like Donkey Kong. I have 3 at home waiting for teardown and inspection.

My current information comes from an indie who has torn down a few and a good chat with one of the guys at United Fuel Injection (who supplied my new pump).

I'm told it does not take much moisture or other non-lubricating contamination in the fuel to really kick the process off. Looking at the tolerances involved, it wouldn't take much to score a bore.

Our trouble appeared to start after a tank of fuel from a low-volume independent retailer in the South West, but who really knows.

Originally Posted by DieselLSE

A bit OT, but what causes the HPF pump to fail? If the low pressure pump's filter isn't restricting flow and the fuel is clean and free of contaminants, wouldn't you expect both pumps to last indefinitely?

That is definitely one of the questions on my mind !!!

Originally Posted by BradC

The low pressure pump is a brush driven DC motor. It's going to wear out. Likewise, the feed pump on the HPFP is a vane pump. Regardless of the quality of lubricant, they are going to wear to some degree and where those wear particles go and what they interfere with would be a matter of luck.

"Apparently" the damage starts in the vanes of the feed pump which shed "sparklies" and these then cause damage to the bores/pistons in the control valves and it's on like Donkey Kong. I have 3 at home waiting for teardown and inspection.

My current information comes from an indie who has torn down a few and a good chat with one of the guys at United Fuel Injection (who supplied my new pump).

I'm told it does not take much moisture or other non-lubricating contamination in the fuel to really kick the process off. Looking at the tolerances involved, it wouldn't take much to score a bore.

Our trouble appeared to start after a tank of fuel from a low-volume independent retailer in the South West, but who really knows.

Touch wood ive had one dose of dodgy fuel (truck diesel cause there was nothing else) rom up in the mid west, caused an injector fault. Replaced fuel filter immediately and to date no issues worh either hp or lp pumps or injectors . Doddged a bullet there i think