High pressure fuel pump disaster- is remap to blame?

[ansgurr]

Sadly I have had a bit of a van disaster (at just under 50000 miles)- as diagnosed by VW, the high pressure fuel pump has failed putting swarf into the fuel system. VW have recommended complete replacement of the fuel system including pump, fuel rail, pipes, injectors etc at a total cost of (gulp) 7k. From googling this seems to be a recognised (if uncommon) problem which always has a mega bill attached. I don't have any warranty so no real alternative other than cough up.

I'm racking my brains for a reason this couldve happened as I am paranoid if it happened once it could happen again. Apparently misfueling is a reason but I have definitely not put petrol in my van. The van was remapped by a previous owner from I believe 102 to 140bhp. It has been suggested to me that this might have been putting additional stress on the fuel pump causing it to fail.

Can anyone tell me is this theory likely, or should the pump be able to cope with this? Is the fuel pump in the higher HP engines the same or different to the lower ones? If this had happened to your van would you get the map reversed? Ta

 

[Dundee_Kev]

Can anyone tell me is this theory likely, or should the pump be able to cope with this? Is the fuel pump in the higher HP engines the same or different to the lower ones? If this had happened to your van would you get the map reversed? Ta

The 84-140hp engines appear to use the same pumps, so in theory should all be good. I've never dealt with mapping but sure others will offer advice whether to take it back to factory tune.

I can feel your pain though, I've been through this earlier in the year. Luckily I only had parts to pay and no labour. Still cost over 2k though!

 

[Sasquatch]

Unlikely.

The HP pump is engine driven so runs at a rate related to engine speed regardless of other considerations. Regardless of maps, tuning boxes, etc, it will generate xyz pressure at abc engine speed.

The fuel pressure that the injectors receive is regulated separately from the rotational speed or rhe engine and has no bearing on how fast the pump is turning, and therefore how 'hard' it may be working.

 

[Chrishall888]

very much doubt that the map has caused it.
Lack of lubrication at some point during its life :ie petrol.
With the amount of VAG 105bhp motors that have been mapped, I think it would be commonly known as a problem.
Certainly will require a complete strip.
Perhaps having the injectors cleaned by a rebuild company and tested would be substantially cheaper?

 

[Pauly]

Not sure this is a job I would want a main dealer doing !
They just want to throw parts at it and replace the entire system which can sometimes be cleaned
I would speak to an independent/specialist and see what they say before handing over £7k !