Fuel pump?

[Dubworth]

Hello, been having some intermittent fun with my 1985 DF recently. Occasionally it won’t start without fuel or spray start added directly to the carb. Once it it’s running however, it is flawless. Currently on holiday around Norfolk, the van drive great fit for hours, my wife then filled it up with petrol, it started a bit choppy and ran a bit rough before resuming normal service. Later on, it refused to start without some spray start.
I’ve recently serviced the van with oil, filters, plugs and a new dizzy cap. It has brickworks fuel lines that are approximately two years old. Fuel filter looks ok but I’ll be changing that as soon as possible to be safe.
I’m just wondering if this may be my fuel pump starting to weaken? Any help/advice welcomed

[jrt]

Could be. Worth taking it off and checking the pushrod for wear. It should be 100mm in length, easy and cheap to replace. You can then manually check your pump is working and repack with grease. Also check your fuel lines to see if you have any pinholes or loose connections.
Funnily enough i have a fairly new pump and pushrod fitted but in the recent very hot weather if i haven’t used it for a few days it takes a good 5 seconds to fire up whereas it has always fired up straight away. Once going it is fine.
David.

[Dubworth]

Thanks I’ve ordered a push rod, some gaskets and a spacer from brickwerks. Would I be better with a high temp grease or white lithium do you think? I have both.

[Dubworth]

Changed the pushrod today, pretty sure it was that causing my issues. Van fires up straight away now and feels slightly more responsive. Will post a pic of old and new rods.

[jrt]

Good to hear you’ve got it sorted
David.

[Dubworth]

Thanks for your help, here's the comparison, new on left, old on right:

[937carrera]

Well they look different, length is important, I guess the old one was a bit wobbly

Nasty case of eczema you have there, I'd put some cream on

[Dubworth]

Well they look different, length is important, I guess the old one was a bit wobbly

Nasty case of eczema you have there, I'd put some cream on

Funny, that’s what the wife says... I’m dailying the van for now to road test it before I go forget afield, but yes, it does seem a bit more consistent starting and less kangaroo-ing after starting.
And yes, I was protecting my carefully calluses hands in gloves that day hah