Fuel Pump priming - only on battery re-connect

[malloryna]

I'm currenty using the Chim for one weekend a month and during the rest of the time the battery is disconnected.
On the last two re-connects the fuel pump has refused (initially) to prime. It seems that after some time it's OK. Once it primes the first time after the battery is re-connected there are no more problems (priming or otherwise).
At the moment I'm putting this down to the imobiliser not resetting properly or the ECU. I haven't checked the relays yet.

Has anyone else had this problem and is it a sign of more problems to follow or just a glitch due to the battery being disconnected for log periods.

Neil

[chim666]

I'd reseat the two silver relays on the fly-leads near/on top of the battery (one of which feeds the fuel pump). Alternatively, swap them over then if the pump primes, but the engine stops after 30 seconds or so, change them both.
Part numbers: Bosch 0332014112

Paul

[chassis 33]

Tempted to point the finger at the fuel pump relay sticking

Regards
Iain

[malloryna]

Yup, thought that the relays could be a problem but it primes everytime once I manage to get it to prime the first time. A dodgy relay would cause problems more reguarly ( as did the dodgy headlamp relay on the M69).

Neil

[chim666]

malloryna said:

Yup, thought that the relays could be a problem but it primes everytime once I manage to get it to prime the first time. A dodgy relay would cause problems more reguarly ( as did the dodgy headlamp relay on the M69).

Neil

It's up to you of course, but IMO it would still be worth swapping them over, that way you'd eliminate any bad connections by effectively re-seating them when you swap, and if the fault moves as a result, you'll know it's a duff relay.
By doing nothing you're eliminating nothing.

[Cider Andy]

Sounds like the fuel pump is starting to seize to me.

[bigdods]

Could be the immobiliser having a fit - Its a known problem that having suffered a flat battery , when you reconnect it the alarm can have a fit and lock down everything. Something to do with its internal batterygoing flat then when it gets 12V back it doesnt kick in properly. The standard solution is to disconnect the battery for about 5 seconds (just remove battery earth). Then put the earth back on and bingo everythings sweet. Assumes you have left the battery in for a few mins to allow the alarm to charge its internal battery sufficiently.

Happened to me several times with flat battery, when Ive charged it up in situ the alarm has behaved in strangely amusing ways - disabling the fuel pump,or just going off on its own or making funny noises. Disconnecting the battery for a few secs has solved it every time.

If you have a garage (I dont so cant do this) install a battery conditioner....