98 Disco I Fuel Pump Problem

[nowearshoes]

Hello all.

While on the fwy, power started to cut out, then on again and continued while off of the fwy as well. Listening while turning the key partially on, I noticed that the fuel pump would run for only a few seconds then cut out. I remembered that I would always hear the fuel pump without cutting out previously and I immediatley thought it would be the pump. I bought one from atlantic british but haven't installed it yet. I wanted to do a bit more research so I could send back an unopened one for $$ back.

To eliminate other components, I bypassed the inertia switch with a jumper....same fault.
Jumped 12 v to fuel pump from hotside of ECM and still the same problem.

Not sure what to do from here.
Anyone know of wahy to positively isolate the ECM, pump. Inertia switch to find the problem. Does a diagnostic tool give a code for this poroblem?

By the way, the fuel pump sound is not like it was in the past. i.e. Not a straight whine sound as it used to be, it sounds as though the impeller is making a flapping sound. Similar to the engine fan hitting the shroud but scaled down and muffled.

Any ideas......Joey you there? You seem to always be the leader(most experienced) in forums
Mike

 

[joey]

First of all if you could hear your fuel pump before, this is a bad sign... I would have to be in the back of the vehicle to hear my pump (keep in mind I am partially deaf).

Second how fast were you traveling when this issue happened? Did you notice if the speedometer jumped one way or the other when the issue occurred.

If speedometer moved, it could be the VSS going bad, if not you could have some corrosion in the ECU at one of the plugs or a possible bad ground going to the ECU.

 

[nowearshoes]

98 disco fuel pump problem

I have had the disco for 8 years now without fuel problems. I should say the fuel pump was audible when the drivers side door was open.

I was traveling at 65 mph. However, this is continuous now. ie runs a few seconds then cuts out at idle or while driving, although not driving now.

The speedo has bounced around a few times before without problems too.
By ECU do you mean the ECM that houses the fuel pump relay and Main relay?

Also, where is the VSS?

 

[joey]

ECU is the Engine Control Unit located on the passenger fender well near the firewall.

VSS is attached to the transmission drivers side if you crawl in under the drivers door with your head about the front of the door just behind the tire and go in you should see it... I would provide a link to show the pics, but Discoweb.org is down again. They are down more than they are up lately... need to make a copy of the web page and post in the tech section.

 

[nowearshoes]

fuel pump disco I problem

So is it possible that the VSS or the ECU could be the problem? If so, How?

Also, if I end up replacing the fuel pump, do you have a alternate to the specified removal tool to unscrew the FP retaining ring?

Thank Joey

Mike

 

[joey]

Retaining ring - I used a hammer and screwdriver, not the best method, but it works.

VSS is more than likely the issue if your problem was happen in drive, if it park, then either the ECU or you have another issue. Have you changed the fuel filter? Since I don't remember your previous posts, what have you done maintenance wise on your vehicle? i.e. plugs, wires, filters, fluids etc.

 

[nowearshoes]

Hammer n screwdriver sweet will do.

Just changed the fuel filter today. turned on and ran for a few minutes then resumed with the same problem runs at start up turns off after a few seconds.

As far as maintenance, I replace the plugs, oil, air filter regularly. I have reaplced the brake pads, reservoir, ABS sensor, O2 sensors, brake fluid, PS pump, steering damper, front and rear shocks, PS hoses, TB tensioner, etc blah blah blah as well.

Thanks
Mike

 

[wolf]

Hammer n screwdriver sweet will do.

Just changed the fuel filter today. turned on and ran for a few minutes then resumed with the same problem runs at start up turns off after a few seconds.

As far as maintenance, I replace the plugs, oil, air filter regularly. I have reaplced the brake pads, reservoir, ABS sensor, O2 sensors, brake fluid, PS pump, steering damper, front and rear shocks, PS hoses, TB tensioner, etc blah blah blah as well.

Thanks
Mike

Hi Mike;

I may have missed it - but just in case - there are two other components that could be checked as well: 1.) fuel pump relay 2.) fuel pressure regulator

Also, why not hook up a fuel pressure guage to your fuel rail's port and see what's happening there (i.e., fuel pressure-wise)?

Wolf

 

[joey]

VSS info

http://www.discoweb.org/vss/index.htm

 

[nowearshoes]

Fuel Pump Problem 98 Disco V8i

Just wanted to let all know that my Disco is running fine now. I ran some other checks to ensure(for the most part) that the pump was the problem and it was. ie Ran power from the fuel pump relay harness on the down and up side of the Internia switch and no luck.
Check the P on the fuel P reg and all was good as well.
Thanks for all of your input.

Mike