Fuel Pump problem

[j.b.r.]

Hi guys.

Replaced the fuel pipe from the swirl pot to the pump, now the pump is not running.
Battery had went flat and tried to jump start from my mundano, so not sure if I've blown something.
I am getting 8 volts at the pump and on the pump side of the relay, so this doesn't sound right.
If I take a 12v short cut to the pump, I can get it to run.

Any Ideas???

Thanks
JBR

[j.b.r.]

Problem solved.
Finished work early, did a search on forum for similar problems and decided to whack pump with a hammer.
Result - pump now free of dirt and working

[adam quantrill]

Was that the 15lb adjusting hammer or the 7lb "fine tuning" hammer?

Well done that man.

[350zwelgje]

Sometimes switching the two connecters (=reversing pump action) can also help. But if the dirt gets in again, it will damage the pump (or the previous dirt did it already). I would have a spare one in the car, just in case....
If it is ok now, put an additional filter before the pump to avoid the same problem and you are probably fine for the next couple of years with this pump.


Rob

[hamish400]

The fuel pump is very sensitive to restrictions on its suction side

In my experience any filter in the pump suction needs to have a strainer/mesh type element rather than a paper filter. A paper filter element restricts the fuel flow to the pump and the engine is starved of fuel and falters when you put your foot down; especially when the suction head on the pump decreases eg 1/2 tank or lower fuel level.

Demon Tweeks do a "bullit" filter which suits but you need to get the mesh strainer element with it. Select the filter body with a hose connection size the same size as the fuel pump suction (??? abt 10 or 12 mm from memory ??)

I also fitted a ball type shut off valve on the tank/swirlpot side of the fuel suction filter to allow filter checking/cleaning without draining fuel from tanks.

My problem started after my fuel tanks had been lying empty for a year or so. After destroying a couple of pumps I fitted the fuel pump suction filter. After about 9 - 12 months use I got very little debris in the strainer, so assume that internal corrosion had occurred when the tanks were empty.

Rgds
Hamish

[j.b.r.]

Thanks for the advice guys.
Car ran fine and passed its MOT this morning, but sadly the fuel pump gave up the ghost as I drove it off the ramp!
Bit embarrassing, but at least the tester had given me the certificate before it broke down
Fine tuning the pump with hammer could not get it going again, might need a new hammer!
Got a new pump on order to suit rover 3500 vitesse, so hope it fits.
£75 plus VAT.
I'll look at fitting new fuel filters next as advised.

Cheers
JBR (now skint - 180 quid for tax, 50 quid for MOT, 75 quid plus VAT for pump and I haven't been anywhere yet )