Leaky Fuel Pressure Regulator - What's Going On????

Bernst · 1st June 2013, 14:18

Hi folks,

Re: 2003 ZT CDT

This intermittent non-starting problem is driving me mad now!

I replaced the regulator with another one (used part) yesterday; it's the screw in type with hex bolt and 3-pin socket. Went out today and the problem is back! So back under the hood again, detached sensor plug and there's still fuel leakage from inside socket!!!

I'm just glad I didn't spend £160 on a new part because clearly it can't be the regulator. Could it be the fuel rail? If so what's happening? Why is there fuel leaking from the regulator?

For the time being I've got a can of freezer spray; once I wipe up the mess from the plug and socket, I give them a spray and the car fires up again but I can't be doing with that all the time!

Engine cranking normally. Revs smoothly. Idles well. Both LP fuel pumps working. Cam sensor working (tested by Jules last Friday).

If you have any suggestions as to cause, I'm all ears but I've had enough so it's going in the garage on Monday - last straw.

Fuel rail problem or not, I'd better get my wallet out again - I feel another £xp£nsiv£ job coming on...

Many thanks folks. I'm longing for trouble free driving for a change

Joe

listener · 1st June 2013, 17:32

Don't forget to check the plenum chamber for water if you are having starting problems wet ecu's will throw loops, re the regulator, you say it is a second hand part so I suppose it could be damaged in some way and letting fuel through did your old one leak or are you just changing it to address your starting problem ?

Bernst · 1st June 2013, 18:43

Cheers Dennis.

Plenums are clear and chamber/ECU is bone dry.

The old regulator was leaky and now it's the same with the replacement part. Ok it's a used part but it must be coincidence that they're both faulty and leaking unless this is a common fault? I'm really not that keen on shelling out £160 on a new part when the problem might not even be the regulator!

Joe

listener · 2nd June 2013, 01:33

The regulator has a diaphragm in it which I think separates the electrical side from the valve and fuel if the diaphragm has a leak then fuel is clearly going to get through to the outside, also it may be bad enough to effect fuel pressure and influence starting

You can check the high pressure side by using Frenchmikes test here :

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=69308

I am leaning towards a faulty regulator but I am no expert and just airing my thoughts.

Bernst · 2nd June 2013, 12:35

I think you could be right there Dennis.

There's no evidence of leakage anywhere else along the fuel rail so the regulator and the used replacement must both be faulty if they're allowing fuel to pass through the diaphragm.

I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Just hope I won't be flushing £160 down the toilet!

Cheers Dennis - I appreciate your help.

Joe

listener · 2nd June 2013, 14:44

I was wondering if the Freelander TD4 regulator might fit they are cheaper, would anyone on here know ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_tr...at=0&_from=R40

listener · 2nd June 2013, 15:05

Actually I can answer my own question having found this thread :

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...fuel+regulator

Suggestion to admin this ought to go in the "interchangeable" sticky.

Bernst · 3rd June 2013, 20:55

Thanks again for spending time on this Dennis

She's now in the garage so I'm waiting for word back. I'll get her serviced whilst she's there.

I've trawled hundreds of posts on this problem and I'm surprised the fuel pressure regulator isn't a more common 'non-starting' problem. In fact I've found none so far that specifically detail leaking fuel from inside the socket caused by a faulty diaphragm. Considering I've fitted another part with exactly the same problem it surely must be a common occurence!

In the meantime I've emailed that Land Rover site you mentioned to see if they know their TD4 part is compatable. Could save me a few bob...

Cheers mate - don't know what happened to everyone else!??

Joe

1st June 2013, 14:18	#1
Bernst Regular poster MG ZT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Liverpool Posts: 62 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Leaky Fuel Pressure Regulator - What's Going On???? Hi folks, Re: 2003 ZT CDT This intermittent non-starting problem is driving me mad now! I replaced the regulator with another one (used part) yesterday; it's the screw in type with hex bolt and 3-pin socket. Went out today and the problem is back! So back under the hood again, detached sensor plug and there's still fuel leakage from inside socket!!! I'm just glad I didn't spend £160 on a new part because clearly it can't be the regulator. Could it be the fuel rail? If so what's happening? Why is there fuel leaking from the regulator? For the time being I've got a can of freezer spray; once I wipe up the mess from the plug and socket, I give them a spray and the car fires up again but I can't be doing with that all the time! Engine cranking normally. Revs smoothly. Idles well. Both LP fuel pumps working. Cam sensor working (tested by Jules last Friday). If you have any suggestions as to cause, I'm all ears but I've had enough so it's going in the garage on Monday - last straw. Fuel rail problem or not, I'd better get my wallet out again - I feel another £xp£nsiv£ job coming on... Many thanks folks. I'm longing for trouble free driving for a change Joe

1st June 2013, 17:32	#2
listener Regular poster MG ZT-T 2005 CDTi 135 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: FOLKESTONE Posts: 93 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Don't forget to check the plenum chamber for water if you are having starting problems wet ecu's will throw loops, re the regulator, you say it is a second hand part so I suppose it could be damaged in some way and letting fuel through did your old one leak or are you just changing it to address your starting problem ?

1st June 2013, 18:43	#3
Bernst Regular poster MG ZT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Liverpool Posts: 62 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Cheers Dennis. Plenums are clear and chamber/ECU is bone dry. The old regulator was leaky and now it's the same with the replacement part. Ok it's a used part but it must be coincidence that they're both faulty and leaking unless this is a common fault? I'm really not that keen on shelling out £160 on a new part when the problem might not even be the regulator! Joe

2nd June 2013, 01:33	#4
listener Regular poster MG ZT-T 2005 CDTi 135 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: FOLKESTONE Posts: 93 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The regulator has a diaphragm in it which I think separates the electrical side from the valve and fuel if the diaphragm has a leak then fuel is clearly going to get through to the outside, also it may be bad enough to effect fuel pressure and influence starting You can check the high pressure side by using Frenchmikes test here : http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=69308 I am leaning towards a faulty regulator but I am no expert and just airing my thoughts.

2nd June 2013, 12:35	#5
Bernst Regular poster MG ZT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Liverpool Posts: 62 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think you could be right there Dennis. There's no evidence of leakage anywhere else along the fuel rail so the regulator and the used replacement must both be faulty if they're allowing fuel to pass through the diaphragm. I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Just hope I won't be flushing £160 down the toilet! Cheers Dennis - I appreciate your help. Joe

2nd June 2013, 14:44	#6
listener Regular poster MG ZT-T 2005 CDTi 135 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: FOLKESTONE Posts: 93 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I was wondering if the Freelander TD4 regulator might fit they are cheaper, would anyone on here know ? http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_tr...at=0&_from=R40

2nd June 2013, 15:05	#7
listener Regular poster MG ZT-T 2005 CDTi 135 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: FOLKESTONE Posts: 93 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Actually I can answer my own question having found this thread : http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...fuel+regulator Suggestion to admin this ought to go in the "interchangeable" sticky.

3rd June 2013, 20:55	#8
Bernst Regular poster MG ZT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Liverpool Posts: 62 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks again for spending time on this Dennis She's now in the garage so I'm waiting for word back. I'll get her serviced whilst she's there. I've trawled hundreds of posts on this problem and I'm surprised the fuel pressure regulator isn't a more common 'non-starting' problem. In fact I've found none so far that specifically detail leaking fuel from inside the socket caused by a faulty diaphragm. Considering I've fitted another part with exactly the same problem it surely must be a common occurence! In the meantime I've emailed that Land Rover site you mentioned to see if they know their TD4 part is compatable. Could save me a few bob... Cheers mate - don't know what happened to everyone else!?? Joe