Offroad-Express

Hi all,
I have a petrol powered Nissan Terrano and I think my fuel pump has died, I'll tell you what happened and see if anyone has any ideas.

Over the last two weeks, occasionally I've had trouble getting my truck started, it turns over but wont fire. After maybe 10mins of pumping ghe gas etc and turning the key it would be fine for msybe a few days.
Lastnight I was heading out hunting and the motor died, I assumed it was fuel problem so pulled over, restarted the engine and kept going, no dramas.

Today I visited my kids, all packed up for a hunt and when it was time to hit the road, the truck kept turning over but again it wouldn't fire, battery has nearly gone flat so I've left it.

The other day I ran the battery flat ttying to start it and some nice person gave me a jump start, it started first pop so I ran it from NEV to Dr's Point and back to recharge the battery.

I used to hear what I thought was the fuel pump powering up as I turned on my ignitiin but I havenlt heard that noise for awhile now.

I'm wondering if anyone can determine what might be wrong with it ?

I can't afford to fix it at present but thought at least someone might be able to point me in the right direction. Actually might even advertise it forsale as is, but I prefer to be able to tell any potential guyers what might be the problem.

I read on here that a new fuel pump can range from $250-$800 depending on which model I need. I couldn't afford to even begin saving for it until Feb/March next year and need a reliable vehicle for my kids so selling itand buying another 4*4 might be my best option.
I've had lots of work done to it, new oil, filter, air filter, missing manifold bolts replaced, wheel bearing, cv boot, power steering and brake fluid flushed and replaced etc, auto is sweet, 4wd is sweet (I use it on farms that I control pests on) but I'm out of money, out of options.

Can anyone tell me what might be wrong ?
I have no tools but have a mate who does so might be able to do small jobs/checks etc.

Or do you think that I should just sell it as is where is and try to buy something better.

It owes me $3800 including the work I've had done to it through Midas (Empty your wallet) services.

Any ideas ?
Thanks in advance

Nissan petrol engines demand good starting power compared to most.

most engines will fire on 10 volts. I have found with RB's for example(nissan skyline engines) anything under 11.5 and you better start looking for ya jumper leads.

low fuel pressure will not help change the filter lately?

If it is the fuel pump dont fret.
go to a wrecker and ask for a bosch 440 inline pump from a holden commodore.

you can either wire it up to the existing fuel pump circut or to the ignition.

I doubt you'll recovery that kind of cash.. for example i drive past a toyota land crusier for sale for 5K and a 96 pajero for 3k on my way to and from work and they are in good operating order.

If its fuel pump, you can hear it prime and feel for pressure at a rubber hose near the injectors,if it has enouhh pressre where you can feel it its probly not it.

Thanks for the replies guys, I really appreciate it.
Can't hear the fuel pump priming anymore, I used to hear a noise in the back somewhere that I alwsys thought was the fuel pump.
One friend told me to wiggle all the leads, connectors etc, he thinks it's intermittent electrical after encountering and fixing a problem with similar symptoms in SA.

Fuel filter could need changing as I've run it very low a few times, just couldnt afford gas etc but the low fuel light warning has only ever come on once, I thought it's possibly suck crapped from the bottom of the tank.

Regarding battery charge, when the good samaritan jumped it for me, it started first pop from his battery so perhaps it's not getting enough power, I'm not sure really but I'll head back in a few days and try to suss it out again.

Can anyone tell me where the fuel pump is ?

Vault wrote:Fuel filter could need changing as I've run it very low a few times, just couldnt afford gas etc but the low fuel light warning has only ever come on once, I thought it's possibly suck crapped from the bottom of the tank.

I would have though that the fuel was always taken from the bottom of the tank, it does not make sense to take it from the top.

nzlux wrote:

Vault wrote:Fuel filter could need changing as I've run it very low a few times, just couldnt afford gas etc but the low fuel light warning has only ever come on once, I thought it's possibly suck crapped from the bottom of the tank.

I would have though that the fuel was always taken from the bottom of the tank, it does not make sense to take it from the top.

I'm not sure how it works but I've seen other fuel pumps that are fitted to the top of the fuel tank and have a tube that drops in.

I was always told if I run it low or out of gas it could suck crap up from the bottom of the tank, hence the fuel filter could need replacing but I'm not a mechanic.

Hopefully though it will be a minor fix, a mechanic friend is going to help me diagnose it in a few days so I'm very greatful for that, now I know how people feel when I fix their computers lol

I certainly would be prefer to get it running again as opposed to selling it but this has made me think once it's running I should look at upgrading to a Lwb 4*4 just because it can carry more gear, I've learnt that the Terrano's although great vehicles aren't very big, I think they're fine as a single mans wagon but you can carry more in the average stationwagon.

I believe diesel is also a better choice.

But Im getting ahead of myself now, just really hoping it's a cheap and easy fix, I don't want to go down the finance path to get it sorted, a loose wire etc sure would be a good fix

I browse this forum a lot but it's times like this when people are in need that the members are so helpful with advice, experience and it makes a huge difference for people like me that would other wise have no idea where to begin with trouble shooting, repairing etc.

So thank you to all who have offered advice.

I just thought Id bring closure to this drama with a happy ending.

Eventually had a brand new fuel pump installed along with an electrical fault which caused the fuel pump to fail and probably old age as well.

Now my truck is running better than it ever has, a new fuel pump and relevant electrical circuit bits has been better than any mechanical tune up I've ever paid for.

Im guessing the failing pump was never giving my truck a decent flow of fuel because the noticable difference is just amazing, its smoother, more powerful.

Caltex in North Rd, North East Valley saw me right at $751 which included a brand new fuel pump, installed, an auto sparky to sort the other bits and a WOF check which it passed

Loving my Nissan again.