Fuel Pump running when dry
Discussion
Bastid died on me the other day. I have a new one and going to do the filter, pipes etc but question is can you run a pump when dry? Been a few odd moments of late so not sure it has been starved in the past and thinking tank blockage, before I get under there for a look see and replace.
Turn the key now and there is no priming but there is power. (hotwire).
Turn the key now and there is no priming but there is power. (hotwire).
More to the point if it is 20 years old then OK, good run and all that but if it was starvation..... I don't want to put a new pump on only for it to go pop straight away, wondered if there was a bit of lee way before it went.
The swirl pot is in the way so hopefully dropping the feed off will get a flow of fuel out the swirl pot. Otherwise its messy. Well, don't need it for work anymore so it can take a while.
The swirl pot is in the way so hopefully dropping the feed off will get a flow of fuel out the swirl pot. Otherwise its messy. Well, don't need it for work anymore so it can take a while.
Well put it this way mine was getting starved on and off for months so i should imagine you have some time to check and test..Has it stopped buzzing?..Check electrical feed..If its buzzing loudly..Could be air getting in..Non return valve on the pump or if you have an accumulator the air breather on the back of it could be leaking, That was one of my main faults...You can clamp it and if fuel comes out when you prime the pump then its leaking..There should only be air..(Thats if you have a breather on it)..I by-passed my accumulator and it runs fine...
PS:I dont have a swirlpot neither but i know they have filters inside that can fall apart..Have you checked your bulkhead fuel filter, ..Always replace the banjo washers with new ones..
PS:I dont have a swirlpot neither but i know they have filters inside that can fall apart..Have you checked your bulkhead fuel filter, ..Always replace the banjo washers with new ones..
Edited by mrzigazaga on Sunday 18th September 10:22
Years ago I put a check light on the thing. If there is an issue I plug a bulb into the harnes I made and it shows power going to the pump, or not as the case may be. Saves messing with getting under with a meter and all that. Leccy is getting there. On a hot wire it primes on ignition on to pressure (no turn over). Easy to check. AA man pulled the fuel pipe as well. Nothing out.
The 'in-line' design of fuel pump generally requires that it be full of fuel whilst running in order that the fuel acts as a coolant (and lubricant for the pump rollers). It will run dry but it's not recommended for extended periods. Also I don't think these pumps can pull a massive amount of vacuum so have to be mounted low in the fuel system for best results...?
Might be a blockage Mark. Age of the car etc but there is leccy to the pump and it does not prime. So I think it best examine two options but for a blockage for a few seconds to starve it does not sound like its the death knell of the pump as Ian says. It was not an extended period. Just stopped, no stuttering before hand, just stopped.
I am reluctant to get into the tanks cos I have a very limited space with which to work but think I may have too. Wonder if there is a dolly you can use with the suspension off?
I am reluctant to get into the tanks cos I have a very limited space with which to work but think I may have too. Wonder if there is a dolly you can use with the suspension off?
Wedg1e said:
The 'in-line' design of fuel pump generally requires that it be full of fuel whilst running in order that the fuel acts as a coolant (and lubricant for the pump rollers). It will run dry but it's not recommended for extended periods. Also I don't think these pumps can pull a massive amount of vacuum so have to be mounted low in the fuel system for best results...?
And......the other reason for them to be full of fuel is they cannot arc.If they have just petrol vaspor.........
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