post fuel pump replacement
Discussion
Have just replaced the fuel pump and all its ancilliaries on my 89 turbo esprit. When trying to start the car it will turn over, start briefly then quit. At best I was able to get it to run at idle but not much beyond that. I disconnected the battery to allow the ECU to reset, checked for any leaks, and let it idle, (when it would) for a period to try and get any trapped air out of the system. I removed the fuel filter to check that I had flow in the correct direction, it was, and it did have gas in it. The pump is operating.
What else may I have missed. For those interested in replacing their pumps, be advised that it is doable but not a fun job. Getting the old pump out is not a problem. Putting the new pump back, more specifically re-installing the retaining ring is a nightmare.
Trick to getting it all to re-seat properly is to bend down the three tabs on the ring a bit, apply a thin layer of grease to the ring, and then it will properly engage the retaining ring on the tank. Once engaged it's a matter of gingerly moving it around till the locking tabs engage. Make sure this procedure is done in a quiet and sound-proof area as much swearing will undoubtedly ensue.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
What else may I have missed. For those interested in replacing their pumps, be advised that it is doable but not a fun job. Getting the old pump out is not a problem. Putting the new pump back, more specifically re-installing the retaining ring is a nightmare.
Trick to getting it all to re-seat properly is to bend down the three tabs on the ring a bit, apply a thin layer of grease to the ring, and then it will properly engage the retaining ring on the tank. Once engaged it's a matter of gingerly moving it around till the locking tabs engage. Make sure this procedure is done in a quiet and sound-proof area as much swearing will undoubtedly ensue.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
HI Abrussich. Sorry to hear about your fuel pump problem. I performed a similar job on my S4S this weekend, but mine went a bit smoother. It turned out that my pump was fine, the only problem was an electrical connection right below the tank surface. Apparently it got rusted since no gas reaches it's level usually. I touched the pins with solder to make them fatter, that way I got a tighter fit with the connector. That took care of the problem for me. What you describe to me sounds very much like insufficient fuel pressure. Check the fuel pressure at the column and see what you got. It is possible you have the wrong pump in there. Just a thought. Good luck.
As suggested I did a pressure test at the schrader valve. Best reading was 11 p.s.i. I had purchased a new pump from the local A/C Delco supplier along with screen and pulse regulator. Total cost was around 45$.
Only problem was that Lotus had modified the pump by adding a small black plug on the bottom side.
End result was to bite the bullet and purchase the entire pump assembly from the local dealer for 189$
It works perfectly. Sometimes trying to save a buck can end up costing a lot more. Lesson learned.
Only problem was that Lotus had modified the pump by adding a small black plug on the bottom side.
End result was to bite the bullet and purchase the entire pump assembly from the local dealer for 189$
It works perfectly. Sometimes trying to save a buck can end up costing a lot more. Lesson learned.
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