Replacing a P38 fuel pump
Replacing a P38’s fuel pump needs plenty of working space under the vehicle – Dave Barker shows how the pros go about the job
Not a tricky job: just requires space!
THIS 2001 model year V8 had become difficult to start especially, when left overnight, but once started, it would run without problem. A faulty fuel pump was diagnosed. The P38A has an in-tank fuel pump but, unlike the earlier model of Range Rover, there is no access hole to get to the fuel tank through the rear floor. So it’s necessary to drop the complete fuel tank from the vehicle before replacing the fuel pump. This needs to be done with the vehicle raised, and needs some form of jack to support the weight of the tank as it’s released and lowered from the underside of the chassis. It’s also best done when the fuel tank is as empty as possible to reduce the weight and the risk of petrol spillage.
Replacing the fuel pump is not a difficult job, as such. The only real problem is that, with the fuel tank being under the vehicle, all the fittings and hose clips have been exposed to the elements for years and are likely to be corroded and seized making undoing them difficult.
The price of replacement fuel pumps varies, with OE branded pumps retailing at just over £200, and a genuine Land Rover part costing in excess of £400, though I’ve seen them online for under £70. So, lots of options and prices to choose from.
Battery
It’s important to first disconnect the battery earth lead, given the potential danger from petrol spillage and petrol fumes circulating during this work.
Support for tank
In this case, the transmission jack was used to securely support the tank and keep it stable before releasing the fixings.
Unhooked
With the fixings removed and the weight of the tank supported on the transmission jack the tank bracket was unhooked from the front fixing bolts.
Location
The P38A Range Rover’s plastic fuel tank is slung under the vehicle and secured in position in a steel cradle to the floor pan.
Nuts to remove
The tank is secured in position at the front by two nuts on captive bolts which are fitted into the floor pan. These were now removed.
Disconnecting
Before the fuel tank was lowered, the feed pipe running from the tank to the engine was disconnected – this is a quick release connection.
Often seized
Before lowering the fuel tank, the fuel filler hose clip is released and the hose pulled off the tank filler neck with the help of a pry bar.
Final fasteners
Again checking the tank is securely supported on the transmission jack the two bolts and the single nut at the rear of the tank were released.
Removing the breather
With the fuel tank having now been slightly lowered, the smaller tank breather pipe near the filler neck could be reached and disconnected.