Mine has over 300kmi and I'm thinking it is time. New units seem to be $300+ and out of the budget. I also saw a no name aftermarket (not Hella or Pietersburg) unit on ebay for $150 if anybody has any opinions there.
Thanks

if you have the old style, I'd say replace it. If you have the new style? Why bother? unless there's a problem, dont fix it.

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

I have replaced them on mileage just because the failure mode discussed here can be catastrophic, just like an oil pump or chain failure, but now feel that I've wasted my money.

I think that everyone has to decide what is best for their engine, but I feel that pulling the pump and inspecting the bearing is good PM and that replacement of a good pump is not necessary.

How often to inspect? I don't know, but every car that I've had went over 200k with the oriignal pump, and I haven't (yet) found one with bearing troubles.

Perhaps this is best discussed in the diesel forum as a thread, I'll start it, but it seems that the failure (rare but catastrophic) of the bearing must be preceeded by significant wear that could be found on inspection (R&R is what, an hour at most?).

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Well I'm not too sure about the model. Mine is has a non removable cover plate. Would a photo help?

Now as for the inspection...I pulled it about 70k ago thinking the cover & or mounting (rear) side gasket was leaking oil. Gave the roller wheel contining the bearings a twist and there was not much play. No pitting visible on the bearing balls. Am I looking for the right conditons?

I do think I hear it clacking if when I first start the motor after a few days rest (as if the oil has drained down). Could be lifter I suppose. After a couple of minutes the clack seems to go away. When I drive every day I don't seem to hear the clacking at start up. Possible sign of wear? I'm not sure.

Thanks again for the help!

Spend the money on a new one. Don't ge the no name chinese ones off of ebay. BTDT wasted $150.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Thanks guys...I'll buy a new one. At start up my is clacking now for about 30 seconds. Seems like oil is seeping out and it is dry starting.

Anybody have decent used one for sale?