15/12/2005
Mastering the Removal of the Perkins 1104 Fuel Injection Pump
The fuel injection pump is a critical component of any diesel engine, responsible for delivering fuel at the correct pressure and timing to ensure optimal combustion. When it comes to the robust Perkins 1104 engine, often found in tractors like the Massey Ferguson 5400 and 6400 series, understanding the intricacies of its injection pump removal is paramount for maintenance and repair. This guide will walk you through the process for both the Delphi DP210 and Bosch VE10 injection pump variants, providing detailed steps, crucial specifications, and helpful tips to ensure a smooth operation. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or undertaking this task for the first time, careful adherence to these instructions is key to preventing damage and ensuring the longevity of your engine.

Understanding Your Injection Pump: Delphi DP210 vs. Bosch VE10
The Perkins 1104 engine can be fitted with different types of fuel injection pumps. The two most common are the Delphi DP210 and the Bosch VE10. While the fundamental principles of removal remain similar, there are specific differences in their design and the procedures for locking and securing them. It is essential to identify which pump your engine is equipped with before commencing work. This guide will provide instructions for both, allowing you to tackle the task with confidence.
Preparation is Key: What You'll Need
Before you begin the physical removal, ensure you have the necessary tools and a clean, well-lit workspace. The following are generally required:
- Comprehensive socket and wrench set (including imperial sizes like ½ inch)
- Torque wrench
- Pliers and screwdrivers
- Fuel line wrenches
- A suitable gear puller
- Picks and a small chisel
- Clean rags and approved cleaning solvent
- Suitable containers for draining fuel
- New "O" rings for refitting
- Thread lubricant
- Dust caps or plugs for fuel lines and pump openings
Safety first! Ensure the engine is cool and disconnected from the battery. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves.
Removing the Delphi DP210 Injection Pump
The Delphi DP210 is a common pump found on the Perkins 1104C. Follow these steps meticulously:
- Remove Adjacent Components: Begin by carefully removing any components that obstruct access to the injection pump. This could include air intake hoses, electrical connectors, and fuel lines. Keep track of where each component came from to facilitate reassembly.
- Set Engine to TDC: It is crucial to position the first cylinder's piston at the Top Dead Centre (TDC) on its compression stroke. This ensures the pump is in the correct timing position before removal.
- Lock the Pump Pin: Locate the lock screw (often labelled as 5 in diagrams) and loosen it. Rotate the spacer (6) to allow the lock screw to engage with and lock the pump pin. Once the pin is locked, tighten the lock screw to a torque of 17 Nm. This step is vital to prevent the pump shaft from rotating during removal, maintaining its internal timing.
- Disconnect Fuel Lines: Carefully disconnect the fuel return line (1) and the fuel supply line (3). It is recommended to plug these unions immediately to prevent contamination of the fuel system.
- Disconnect Solenoid Connector: Disconnect the electrical connector (2) from the injection timing solenoid (7).
- Remove Pump Gear: Remove the nut and retaining washer securing the injection pump gear to the pump shaft. Using a suitable puller, extract the pump gear (9). Never attempt to lever the gear off, as this can cause significant damage to the pump housing or the timing cover.
- Remove Mounting Hardware: If necessary, remove any brackets (11) and their securing screws (15) that might be attached to the engine block and supporting the pump.
- Remove the Injection Pump: Take out the screws (13) that fasten the injection pump to the engine's timing gear housing. Once these are removed, carefully withdraw the injection pump from its mounting.
- Discard "O" Ring: Remove and discard the old "O" ring (10) from the pump housing. A new "O" ring will be fitted during reassembly.
Removing the Bosch VE10 Injection Pump
The Bosch VE10 pump also features in some Perkins 1104C engines. The procedure is similar but with some key differences:
- Remove Adjacent Components: As with the Delphi pump, clear the area around the injection pump by removing any obstructing parts.
- Set Engine to TDC: Ensure the first cylinder's piston is at TDC on its compression stroke.
- Mark and Disconnect Fuel Pipes: Mark the fuel pipes (1 and 2) before disconnecting them from the injection pump. Plug all open unions to prevent dirt ingress.
- Disconnect Electrical Connectors: Disconnect the injection timing system connector (3) and the engine stop solenoid connector (4).
- Lock the Pump Pin: Loosen the lock screw. Shift the spacer to allow the lock screw to engage and lock the pump pin. Tighten the screw to a torque of 31 Nm. This secures the pump pin, preventing it from turning.
- Remove Pump Gear: Remove the nut (7) and retaining washer from the injection pump gear (8). Use a puller to extract the pump gear (9). Avoid using levers to pry the gear off.
- Remove Mounting Hardware: Remove the nut (13) and screw (11). If a bracket (10) is present, remove it and its screws from the engine block.
- Remove the Injection Pump: Unscrew the mounting bolts (12) that secure the pump to the engine. Carefully remove the injection pump.
- Discard "O" Ring: Remove and discard the old "O" ring (9).
Refitting the Injection Pump: A Crucial Step
Refitting the injection pump requires just as much care as removal. Incorrect refitting can lead to poor performance or engine damage. Always use new "O" rings and follow the specified torque settings.
Refitting the Delphi DP210 Pump
- Lock the Pump: Ensure the injection pump remains locked by the lock screw (5) during refitting. Do not loosen this screw until instructed.
- Check TDC: Verify the first cylinder piston is still at TDC on its compression stroke.
- Fit New "O" Ring: Fit a new "O" ring (10) onto the injection pump. Importantly, do not lubricate this "O" ring; it should be fitted dry.
- Position the Pump: Carefully position the injection pump onto its housing.
- Secure the Pump: Refit the screws (13) and tighten them to 25 Nm. Refit any removed bracket (11) and screw (15), tightening the bracket screw to 44 Nm to ensure it properly supports the pump.
- Refit Pump Gear: Ensure the contact faces between the pump shaft and the injection pump gear are clean. Lubricate the threads of the pump shaft. Position the pump gear onto the shaft and refit the washer and nut (8). Turn the pump gear anti-clockwise until there is no backlash, then tighten the nut to 24 Nm.
- Reconnect Electrics and Fuel Lines: Reconnect all electrical connectors. Remove dust caps and ensure all fuel channels and unions are clean before refitting the fuel lines (1, 3, and 4).
- Release Pump Lock: Loosen the lock screw (5) and move the spacer (6) to disengage from the pump pin. Tighten the screw (5) to 12 Nm.
- Final Torque: Tighten the nut (8) to 88 Nm.
- Reassemble Components: Reassemble all the adjacent components that were removed earlier, such as fuel lines, front cover plate, fan, belts, and crankshaft pulley.
Refitting the Bosch VE10 Pump
- Check TDC: Confirm the first cylinder piston is at TDC on its compression stroke.
- Fit New "O" Ring: Lightly lubricate a new "O" ring (9) with silicone oil and fit it to the pump.
- Position and Secure Pump: Position the injection pump and refit the screws (12), tightening them to 25 Nm. Refit any bracket (10) and its screws, tightening the bracket screw to 44 Nm.
- Refit Pump Gear: Ensure the contact faces between the pump shaft and gear are clean. Lubricate the pump shaft threads. Position the pump gear and refit the washer and nut (7). Turn the gear anti-clockwise until snug (no backlash), then tighten the nut to 24 Nm.
- Reconnect Electrics and Fuel Lines: Reconnect all electrical connectors. Remove all dust caps and ensure fuel channels are clean before refitting fuel lines (1 and 2).
- Release Pump Lock: Loosen the lock screw (6) and reposition the spacer (5) to disengage from the pump pin. Tighten the screw (6) to 12 Nm.
- Final Torque: Tighten the nut (7) to 88 Nm.
- Reassemble Components: Reassemble all other components removed during the disassembly process.
Important Considerations and Troubleshooting
Timing Marks: When disconnecting fuel lines, especially for the Bosch VE10, making your own timing marks on the pump and timing cover can be a helpful backup if the internal locking mechanism fails or is not properly engaged. However, relying on the specified locking procedure is the primary method.
Contamination: Diesel fuel systems are extremely sensitive to dirt. Always maintain a high level of cleanliness. Plug all open lines and ports immediately after disconnecting them. Use clean rags and ensure no debris falls into the engine or pump.
Gear Removal: The use of a proper gear puller is non-negotiable. Forcing the gear can lead to costly damage to the pump shaft or housing.
Torque Settings: Adhering to the specified torque settings is critical. Overtightening can strip threads or damage components, while undertightening can lead to leaks or parts coming loose.

Pump Shaft Rotation: If the pump shaft rotates unexpectedly during removal or refitting, it is highly recommended to consult a qualified Perkins agent. The internal timing of the pump may have been compromised, requiring professional recalibration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to drain the fuel tank before starting?
While not strictly necessary if you are careful, it is advisable to have less than a full tank to minimize fuel spillage when disconnecting the lines.
Q2: What happens if I don't lock the pump pin?
If the pump pin is not locked, the internal timing mechanism of the injection pump can be disturbed when the gear is removed. This will almost certainly require the pump to be re-timed or recalibrated by a specialist.
Q3: Can I reuse the old "O" ring?
No, it is essential to replace the "O" ring with a new one during refitting to ensure a proper seal and prevent fuel leaks.
Q4: What torque should the lock screw be tightened to?
For the Delphi DP210, it's 17 Nm. For the Bosch VE10, it's 31 Nm.
Q5: My tractor is losing power. Could the injection pump be the cause?
Yes, a faulty injection pump can cause a variety of issues, including loss of power, rough running, or difficulty starting. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other fuel system components or engine issues. A proper diagnosis is always recommended.
By following this detailed guide, you can confidently approach the task of removing and refitting the fuel injection pump on your Perkins 1104 engine. Remember, precision, cleanliness, and adherence to specifications are your best allies in achieving a successful outcome.
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