Td5 fuel pumps.....

bashing the tank got it running again......do you think that'll be the earth.....?

also......how long should it take to replace the pump by dropping the tank....?
there is a tow bar installed......

Could be, have seen stranger earthing probs :D Removal and replacement? Depends on your skill set. and how stubborn components want to be, I would say a few hours at a leisurely pace, clean it all thoroughly, amazing how much dirt gets on the tank.
Cheers Scott

I have heard lots of stories of non VDO fuel pumps failing. If your 2003 fender is around 170-180,000 klm then it will be on its way out.( time & klm combined) I replaced my 1999 pump at around that klm with a non genuine & am down $200 for the experience..
Also, I would cut a panel rather than drop the tank 10 out of 10 times. there will be measurements here somewhere. Got an angle grinder & thin blades??
David

Sorry for the delay replaying, Tony, only just read your thread.
Yes, I fitted a VDO Siemens pump bought from the UK to my year 2000 TD5 Defender wagon. Much, much cheaper than a unit from Land Rover in Perth (although the exchange rate's not so good now).
I understand VDO is the OEM part. It certainly looked the same as the original and fitted a treat. It's done nearly 100,000km so far, touch wood.
Rather than drop the tank I fitted a Mulgo hatch, which needed to be located a bit differently to the instructions 'cause I have a long range tank. They're a great idea.
I carry the old pump as a spare on bush trips (it was still working fine but I changed it after 280,000km as preventative maintenance). The Mulgo hatch would make it easy to change. Also took the opportunity to clean the tank as much as possible before re-fitting.
This is a post on the subject from 2014...
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130...fuel-pump.html
Double check, but the part number was WFX000260G (G means OEM I understand). Hobson Industries in the UK are worth contacting. They convert Landies for army use and have a supply of almost-new bits they take off and sell.
Good luck, Dan