MG ZTT CDTi Manual '03 Poss under bonnet fuel pump failure?

[mjphoto]

Hello learned MG Rover officionados!

I've had my MG ZT-T+ 135 CDTi manual for only a couple of weeks now and I've had a couple of issues with it already (master cylinder failing and knock/twang from the drivers from spring/suspension. However I want to love this car. I've had Merc E classes for 10 years and this car feels much fresher and fun to drive than Ze Germans.

So I'm appealing for help, opinions and advice please on what might have ground my lovely MG to a halt. Here goes;

Car has covered 129k and has a new MOT and full (though only stamps not receipts etc) service history.

Serviced the car fully two weeks ago, including oil and filters (inc' fuel). Blanked off the EGR. Changed the Master Cylinder.

Used the car around central London for a week or so. Filled to the brim with the expensive high grade Shell diesel on Monday.

Drove around heavy central London traffic Monday and Tuesday. NOTICED a drone/noise from behind the dash, passenger side. The noise didn't stop but did get slightly quieter and louder while driving and didn't change with engine speed or gear change

Tuesday night drove at about 70-80 mph to central Manchester from Central London. No problems.

Went back to the car Wednesday morning (early/cold) and car was failing to start. Cranking but no ignition. After 10 minutes of panic and repeated attempts the car started and kept running no problems. Drove 40 minutes to cheshire, no problems.

Went to start the car Wednesday evening where I parked it (in the middle of ******* nowheresville Cheshire). It failed to start. Kept trying until finally it wasn't even trying to turn over, just clicking.

Called Captain Green Flag man. He tested the in tank pump, said it was functioning properly. I don't think he was aware of the second under bonnet pump. He tested the high pressure end of the fuel system, said it was all functioning properly. He thought it might be fuel lines but something definitely linked to the low pressure side of the fuel delivery. Either way he boosted the battery and after a lot of cranking the car started, I had a slash in a bush, jumped straight in the car and hot footed it back to London at 60 mph (again no problems and even got 54 mpg out of it full of camera kit).

So wise elders of the Rover MG fraternity which I'm proud to be a newbie member of, what do you think? Any responses very gratefully received and thank you. I should be at POL (if I can get it started) so will repay in beers then.

Thanks!

Mark

[mjphoto]

FYI when the car first gave me starting problems in Manchester it had just over half a tank of fuel in it. When it gave up in Cheshire it had about half a tank in it.

[Jakg]

What was your fuel level when it wouldn't start?

The noise sounds like the fuel pump - but it's easily accessible from under the bonnet so you should be able to put your ear next to it to and have a listen.

For reference, mine started to do the same and it's an 04 plate at 152k - I would say for piece of mind, replace it. I would also recommend doing the ITP as well - it's likely that it's already failed, and could cause your new UBP to fail, too. And if it hasn't failed, it probably will soon...

EDIT - Half a tank is quite high for UBP problems, but mine started to lose speed at about 75 MPH with half a tank just before I replaced it.

[DMGRS]

It sounds like it could well be the pump - if it starts working after a quick 'tap' then this is the likely culprit.

I have good-quality in tank and under bonnet pumps available here:
75/ZT Fuel System

Good luck.

[mjphoto]

Thanks for your reply Jakg. I think you're right. Probably worth replacing both though the expense of that along with the work I've already done is worrying me a bit. A necessary evil I guess though.

This forum has been a big help and I've been reading the other posts on similar problems. Just wondered if the Under bonnet pump would go if the in tank one was OK? And would the car keep driving as it has done with the pump not working?

For all my old Mercs faults not one of them failed on me like this car has. But that said I really like this car and the support group around it. And it's 10 years old so like any car it will need upkeep.

I suppose I'm looking for as much opinion as possible as the car no longer moves (and is parked on a busy road in London) and it's likely I'll have to get it to a garage where they'll have less of a clue than I do...

[Kenton]

T4 available, all spars too, it is my hobby not my job, if you are a paid member, I will be happy to help. Weekends and late afternoons, let me know, you can message direct. Regards kenton