Fuel system

Fuel system	depressurisation
	Note. Refer to the warning note in Section 1 before proceeding.
Warning: The following procedure will merely relieve the pressure in the fuel system - remember that fuel will still be present in the system components, and take precautions accordingly before disconnecting any of them.
	The fuel systm referred to in this Section is defined as the tank mounted fuel pump, the fuel filter, the fuel injector and the pressure regulator in the injector housing, and the metal pipes and flexible hoses of the fuel lines between these components.
	AIl these contain fuel which will be under pressure while the engine is running and/or while the ignition is switched on. The pressure will remain for some time after the ignition has been switched off, and must be relieved before any of these components are disturbed for servicing work.
	Disconnect the battery negative lead.
	Place a suitable container beneath the relevant connection/union to be disconnected, and have a large rag ready to soak up any escaping fuel not being caught by the container.
	Loosen the connection or union nut (as applicable) slowly to avoid a sudden release of pressure, and position the rag around the connection to catch any fuel spray which may be expelled. Once the pressure is released, disconnect the fuel line, and insert suitable plugs to minimise fuel loss and prevent the entry of dirt into the fuel system.
Fuel system	pressure check.
Note: The following procedure is based on use of the Rover pressure gauge and adapter (service tool number 18G1500).
	Depressurise the fuel system as described in Section 6, then release the retaining clip and disconnect the flexible fuel feed hose at its union to the metal fuel pipe which is secured to the engine compartment bulkhead, just behind the throttle body assembly; the feed pipe is the lower of the two.
	Connect the gauge into the fuel line between the hose and pipe, and check that it is securely retained.
	Reconnect the battery and start the engine; the pressure should be steady at the specified regulated injection pressure. Stop the engine and watch the gauge; the pressure drop in the first minute should not exceed 0.7 bars.
	If the regulated pressure recorded was too high, the pressure regulator must be renewed; this means renewing the complete injector housing assembly.
	If the pressure first recorded was too low, or if it falls too quickly, check the system carefully for leaks. If no leaks are found, first renew the fuel filter (see Chapter 1), then check the pump by substituting a new one and recheck the pressure. If the pressure does not improve, the fault is in the pressure regulator, and the complete injector housing assembly must be renewed; if this is the case, it is worth dismantling the regulator first to check that the fault is not due to its being jammed open with dirt or similar.
Fuel tank	removal and refitting
Note: Observe the precautions in Section 1 before working on any component in the fuel system
Removal
	Before the tank can be removed, it must be drained of as much fuel as possible. To avoid the dangers and complications of fuel handling and storage, it is advisable to carry out this operation with the tank almost empty.
	Any fuel remaining can be drained as follows.
	Disconnect the battery negative lead.
	Using a hand pump or syphon inserted through the filler neck, remove any remaining fuel from the bottom of the tank. Do this in a well ventilated area, not in a garage or over an inspection pit
	Remove the luggage compartment carpet and the spare wheel.
	Release the two retaining studs, and remove the trim panel from the side of the fuel tank.
	Disconnect the wiring connectors from the fuel gauge sender unit.
	Release the retaining clip, and disconnect the vent pipe from the fuel tank.
	Bearing in mind the information contained in Section 6 on depressurising the fuel system, release the retaining clips and disconnect the fuel feed and return hoses from the tank; the feed hose is marked with a yellow band, and the return hose is unmarked.
	Undo the fuel tank strap retaining bolt, then remove the strengthening plate and move the strap to one side.
	Release the fuel tank filler neck from its grommet, and remove the grommet from the car.
	Peel back the rubber cover. then disconnect the wiring connector from the fuel pump, and remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
Refitting
	Refifting is the reveme sequence to removal, ensuring that all hoses are correctly reconnected and securely fastened so that there can be no risk of fuel leakage.
Fuel pump	removal and refitting
Note: Observe the precautions in Section 1 before working on any component in the fuel System.
Removal
	Remove the fuel tank as described in Section 8.
	Release the retaining clip, and disconnect the two-way breather valve and hose from the fuel rank. Unclip the valve and hose assembly from the tank seam, and remove it.
	Slacken and remove the six fuel pump retaining nuts, then carefully withdraw the pump assembly from the tank, and remove the pump seal.
Refitting
	Examine the pump seal for signs of damage or deterioration and, if necessary, renew it.
	Ensure that the pump and tank mating surfaces are clean and dry, and fit the seal onto the fuel tank.
	Carefully install the pump assembly, then refit the pump retaining nuts and tighten them to the specified torque.
	Clip the two-way valve and hose assembly back onto the tank seam, then reconnect the vent hose to the tank, securing it in position with its retaining clip.
	Refit the fuel tank as described in Section 8.
Fuel gauge sender unit	removal and refitting
Refer to Part A, Section 8.
Unleaded petrol	general information and usage
Note: The information given in this Chapter is correct at the time of writing. If updated information is thought to be required, check with a Rover dealer. If travelling abroad, consult one of the motoring organisations (or a similar authority) for advice on the fuel available
	AlI fuel injection models are designed to run on fuel with a minimum octane rating of 95 (RON). AlI models are equipped with catalytic converters, and therefore must be run on unleaded fuel only. Under no circumstances should leaded fuel be used, as this may damage the catalytic converter.
	Super unleaded petrol (97/98 RON) can also be used in all models if wished, though there is no advantage in doing so.
Fuel injection system	testing and adjustment
Testing
	If a fault appears in the fuel injection system, first ensure that alI the system wiring connectors are securely connected and free of corrosion. Ensure that the fault is not due to poor maintenance ie, check that the air cleaner filter element is clean, the spark plugs are in good condition and correctly gapped, the valve clearances are correcly adjusted, the cylinder compression pressures are correct, and that the engine breather hoses are clear and undamaged, referring to Chapters 1 and 2 for further information.
	If these checks fail to reveal the cause of the problem, the vehicle should be taken to a suitably-equipped Rover dealer for testing. A wiring block connector is incorporated in the engine management circuit, into which a special electronic diagnostic tester can be plugged. The tester will locate the fault quickly and simply, alleviating the need to test all the system components individually, which is a time-consuming operation that also carries a risk of damageng the ECU.
Adjustment
	Experienced home mechanics with a considerable amount of skill and equipment (including a tachometer and an accurately calibrated exhaust gas analyser) may be able to check the exhaust CO level and the idle speed. However, if these are found to be in need of adjustment, the car must be taken to a suitably-equipped Rover dealer for further testing.
Note: There is no provison for the adjustment or alteration of these settings, except by reprogramming the ECU using Rover diagnostic equipment, if checking the idle speed, remember that it will vary constantly under ECU control.