Fuel pump diesel car?

fattymuatty

We have a 1.5 2003 diesel accent. The car has been cutting out/hard to start. We thought it was the fuel pump that was going as the times it would start you could hear the pump but not the others. So I brought it to a garage and without even looking at it he said id need a diesel specialist as he doesnt have the diagnostic equipment. So we got in touch with the guy he recommended but hes away all week and I absolutely need the car by saturday.
So my question, is it really difficult to diagnose whats wrong with it? Is a specialist garage needed. The mechanic said that when a diesel pump goes its never as simple as replacing it, other things need doing too is this right? The next nearest diesel specialist is miles away. Would a bog standard mechanic know what to do if I brought it somewhere else? Does this even sound like the fuel pump to you guys? Sorry for the ramble Im getting stressed over this and dont have a clue about cars.

Bpmull

I know this is probably stupid but have you changed the fuel filter recently if that was dirty not changed for a while it could restrict the fuel flow and cause the car to stall. Might be worth changing. I said I'd mention it I could be completely wrong. But my dad had a problem a few years ago Renault recommended the fuel filter to be changed at 60k I'm which was madness the van was nearly new at the time and with 40k km on it it was constantly stalling hard to start turned out to be a 30 euro fuel filter. If the filter has been changed. Then diagnostics would be a good way to go. Hope this helps.

dieselbug

Would a bog standard mechanic know what to do if I brought it somewhere else?

Would the bog standard mechanics step forward please!!!!

Bpmull

Just reread your post op if you can't hear the fuel pump then you maybe right it could be the pump failing. However don't just buy a new pump ensure its definately the pump at fault before you replace. Any good mechanic should be able to run diagnostic and find the problem.

fattymuatty

Thanks bpmull. I'll ring around tomorrow and see if I can find someone with diagnostic equipment. I hadnt thought about the fuel filter either thanks.
Dieselbug all I meant by bog standard was a mechanic who doesnt advertise as a diesel specialist like I was told I had to use.

Nissan doctor

Many older or basically qualified mechanics don't have the required training or equipment to diagnose or work on modern common rail diesels but you should be able to find someone local enough.

You need someone to do more then just read fault codes though as these can easily lead to expensive parts being replaced that aren't needed.

As for hearing the fuel pump, you rarely will on a diesel car anyway. Some have a small lift pump in the tank(I'm not certain if the accent does) but on Common rail engines the main high pressure pump is on the engine and doesn't make any noise prior to start up.

dieselbug

Im sure there are garages in Galway city who can deal with your cars problem. Ask around for a recommendation, maybe family or friends know of someone. It may be turn out be be something simple, the noise you are hearing will be a good clue as a starting point.

At least the first garage were honest about their capabilities, others may have started throwing parts at it. Might be worth contacting them again to see if they can recommend someone else. Unfortunately, not too many garages are equipped or trained to deal with the more complex aspects of common rail diesels. Also, you may be lucky enough to find one that can provide a courtesy car while yours is being repaired.

As for "bog standard mechanics" unfortunate choice of words.