Fuel Pump??

[akallabeth]

Hi all,
I have just searched the forum and found some good info relating to my problem, but i have some extra questions i hope someone can answer!
So the story so far:
drove home yesterday everything was fine. went to go out and she wouldnt start. spark is fine (checked all CAS and similar problems).
added fuel (been there before) and no joy. so i checked the fuses, no issues but when i checked the voltage to the Fuel pump fuse there was nothing!!
is this the normal case? the fuel pump makes no sound at all now (was previously auidable).
so collective wisdom, does this sound like the pump or a power issue?
Thanks for all the help in the past (from others threads) and i hope u can help me out again!
James

 

[calais_cruzin]

Id go check the plug that goes to the fuel pump...
one day mine wouldnt start, no noise, 3month old pump......
Left it there for a day then went fiddleing with the plug with key in n as soon as i grabd it n gave a slight shake the pump fired up

 

[xcop5l]

if you haven had the fuel pump replaced do that thats what usually goes

 

[IBLOWN]

give the bottom of the tank a few hard kicks. if it starts then it the pump.

 

[akallabeth]

thanks guys. ripped the pump out it ran for a sec then died. then it became silent. new pump tomorrow and the fun should start again. will let u all know.
b.t.w.
the car is on a 5 degree slope (tail down) and when i ripped the pump out there was no fuel comming out. gauge said 1/4 of a tank. should this be normal??
thanks all

 

[IBLOWN]

An electric fuel pump can also be very short lived if it pumps air instead of fuel. The pump over revs and burns out.

1/4 tank on a 5 degree slope shouldnt stop it from picking up fuel. Check where your fuel pickup is positioned in the tank, and check the condition.

 

[xcop5l]

also be verry carefull with the gauge sender unit they brake verry easly and cost lotsa $$$$

 

[akallabeth]

thanks for all the help. replaced the pump and it was fine!
very easy job, compaired to what i expected.
pain in the but to have happen but easy to fix.
thanks again

 

[Lost_Pete]

Just put in the fourth fuel pump!

#1 Original - After 10 years then stopped.

#2 Cheap aftermarket ($40) - Ran for a week and then left us stranded on a major road in peak hour.

#3 Replacement (warranty) cheap aftermarket - Ran for 2 years then the car started losing power and running lean. The car ran so lean I actually heard it knocking under acceleration for the first time ever. Car took longer than normal to start in the morning. Fuel pump made odd noises and then finally stopped. NRMA guy said to buy a Holden fuel pump or at least a good brand.

#4 Known brand ($90 trade to $120 retail) aftermarket - I'll let you know how it goes.

Prices range from cheap on eBay to $95 at Repco to $195 at Holden.

Yes it is easy to change but a real pain. Here is a guide which may or may not be correct.

1. Find fire extinguisher, fire blanket and a safe place. Depressurize fuel system by pulling fuel pump fuse and running car.
2. Drain tank. I can never syphon these things so I remove the lower bolt from the fuel pump and fuel level sender holder and drain into a bucket.
3. Disconnect fuel pump and fuel sender electrical connectors.
4. Disconnect fuel line to tank.
5. Remove the bolts holding the fuel pump and fuel sender holder.
6. Remove holder and disconnect fuel pump connector.
7. Slide pulsator away from fuel pump and work fuel pump out of the holder.
8. Put the new fuel pump in and reassemble using the new rubber bits.
9. Fit holder back into tank using a new cork gasket (came with fuel pump). Make sure it is in the right way.
10. Now while the tank is empty now is a good time to drop the tank slightly and change those plastic breather tubes which are so old that they are probably cracked and broken. There are two on the top of the tank. I used fuel line instead. While you're at it you might as well change any other suspect fuel lines.
11. Also while the fuel system is depressurized why not change the fuel filter as well.
12. Bolt up the tank if you have dropped it.
13. Reconnect the fuel lines to the fuel pump holder.
14. Reconnect the electrical connectors to the fuel pump holder.
15. Put some fuel into the tank and check for leaks.
16. Replace fuse. Prime the fuel system by turning the car on and check for leaks.
17. Start car and go................

While we are talking fuel systems have a look at this report;

"A Testing Based Assessment to Determine Impacts of a 20% Ethanol Gasoline Fuel Blend on the Australian Passenger Vehicle Fleet"

This part of the report shows the effect of E20 on fuel components of older cars, complete with pictures;

http://www.deh.gov.au/atmosphere/fuelquality/publications/testing-passenger-fleet/materials.html