No fuel through pump? - SOLVED - and a warning

[CovKid]

Facet pump (search on here). Left mech pump where it was. Was sick of having dry lines after it was stood for more than 4 days. I don't have that problem now. You can fit a purpose relay or wire off alternator. It also solved numerous running probs I was having but could never solve.

[CJH]

What pump did you use, how is it wired and what did you do with the redundant space that the mechanical pump sits in?

I took Bigherb's advice and bought a Facet Posi flow 1.5-4 psi electric pump (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Facet-Posi-Fl ... 1015158958" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). I wired mine in with a tachometric relay as per this discussion. I bought my relay here. It all seems to work well. I still carry my old mechanical pump 'just in case' though.

[Smiffo]

Cheers both.

I may have ordered the incorrect mechanical pump - as per above discussions - so if that turns out to be the case, I may take this route.
I am slightly reluctant to start a route that I might not need though.
( I have done that already since owning the van, and have cursed myself since..!! )

Out of curiosity, what was the reason for people taking this route?
Are the new mechanical ones still not really up to the job of pumping fuel up from the tank after the van has been stood for a while?
( I ask because I have had those symptoms for a while, but presumed it was because my pump was on it's way out )

[itchyfeet]

Nothing wrong with a mechainical pump, yours has lasted 25 years, electric pumps are fitted to all modern vehicles so consider it an upgrade but a replacement mechanical pump is the quickest/easiest fix, adapting a fuel pump diameter is much less work than wiring in an electric pump.

You have to know where to draw the line between tinkering and using the van, been out in mine four out of the last five days not lifted the hatch once

[Smiffo]

been out in mine four out of the last five days not lifted the hatch once

Thanks for that Itchy - kick me when I'm down - mine's been sat on the drive for a week or so now and the hatch hasn't been on once..!!

You are right though.
I have a personality that means I like things to be right ( or as good as it can be), even if it means more work, but I think my T25 has started beating that out of me..!!

[CovKid]

The reason I went electric is it sometimes ran badly, would conk out randomly, plus in very hot weather the petrol would drain back to the tank and the little that was left in the carb often wasn't enough to allow the pump to pull all the fuel up again and it would die with lots of faffing around with having to put fuel down carb. Electric sorted the lot.

You do need secure fuel lines with electric as line is always under pressure even if low. That said, its a joy to hear the pump do its job before I even start. I didn't use a relay. Originally mine was powered by alternator but I've since wired it to coil so pump starts as soon as I turn ignition switch. I have an isolation switch on the dash so I can turn off the pump in an emergency or for times when I'm working on the vehicle, need ignition on but not pump. Seems to work well enough. Relay is the best bet but my setup suits me.

[Smiffo]

You do need secure fuel lines with electric as line is always under pressure even if low.

Do you mean `secure` as in just good quality originals / replacements, or do you mean different fuel lines altogether that can take more pressure?
I really should stop thinking about it - I haven't finished the last two things I started yet - both started out like this ( me asking questions and then me getting all sorts of ideas...!! )

[Ian and Lins]

Do the fuel push rod. As said, it's easy and cheap. It took me ages to find this problem but minutes to fix it. Piccies of a new one and the old one. It's also cheap and easy to renew fuel pipes/vacuum pipes etc.
Some new stuff is crappy, I had one new push-rod that wore down after only a few thousand miles and fuel hose that started to show cracks after a similar time.

[CovKid]

Secure connections and good quality line, as well as what should be compulsory annual fuel line checks. No leaks in other words. Mech pumps are excellent and not much to go wrong. The pump has barely changed in design since early Beetles but with such a long run from tank to engine, they're not great if you run out of fuel (or line is dry) and are expected to fetch the fuel through on starter motor alone. Can leave you unable to start without intervention. You only need a relatively small amount of wear to pushrod (as above) to render the pump almost useless.

Do you mean `secure` as in just good quality originals / replacements, or do you mean different fuel lines altogether that can take more pressure?
I really should stop thinking about it - I haven't finished the last two things I started yet - both started out like this ( me asking questions and then me getting all sorts of ideas...!! )

[Smiffo]

OK.

I have the new push-rod ordered already with the new pump.
Still waiting confirmation it's been sent, but in all honesty, with the festive period etc, I am not expecting it until mid week.

At the moment I have the battery on charge in prep for the test.
I may actually try just doing the push-rod first with the old pump, just as a test.

CovKid - I follow you now, my fuel lines looked cracked too especially on the pump end, so ordered some new of those too.

Keep you updated.
Thanks for all the input though fellas.!!

[Smiffo]

Yes.... Running finally!!

New fuel pump and rod turned up in the week.
Fitted the rod first, but still no joy.

'Twas the pump that had past its best.

Anyway - just a little warning to anyone inexperienced like myself trying this;
Make sure you tighten up the fuel hoses and double check before driving..!!

After a few attempts at pouring petrol into the carb, it started and was running lovely.

As I was stood there in admiration - getting wet in the rain might I add - I noticed a little dribble of fuel pooling on the engine near the rear of the carb - turned out a small squirt was present..!!

I hadn't tightened the clip enough on the inlet to the carb...
I would hate to think what would have happened if I wasn't stood watching feeling chuffed with myself...

I have spare fuel lines to change it all out anyway, so probably wouldn't have driven anywhere like this, but many may not and would have gone out for a spin.

Sorry if this was stating the obvious - but I would rather you roll your eyes, then watch your van burn.

[scottbott]

do you have the reinforcing brass sleeves for your plastic pipe?,I do not and noticed them for sale at Brickwerks,always wondered if it was possible to over tighten the hose clamps onto the plastic pipe when replacing the fuel hose,they are in two different diameters will check what size I have and order some,they are only 12p each so handy to have a few spare,I have done three petrol pipe replacements over the years and there were never any brass sleeves fitted do not know if they were an original fitment

[Smiffo]

do you have the reinforcing brass sleeves for your plastic pipe?,I do not and noticed them for sale at Brickwerks,always wondered if it was possible to over tighten the hose clamps onto the plastic pipe when replacing the fuel hose,they are in two different diameters will check what size I have and order some,they are only 12p each so handy to have a few spare,I have done three petrol pipe replacements over the years and there were never any brass sleeves fitted do not know if they were an original fitment

I bought the kit Scott.

One for return pipes, and one for the feed aspect.
I have just double checked, and neither have any brass fittings or reinforcing sleeves.

Do you mean a sleeve that fits inside the pipe to stop you over tightening and crushing the pipe?
I ask because the kit comes made up already, so they could be in there already?

[scottbott]

yes I meant the brass sleeves,I will order them on their own as I will fit them to my plastic hose on the next replacement of the rubber hose,good to know about these "little parts",good old Brickwerks

[Smiffo]

yes I meant the brass sleeves,I will order them on their own as I will fit them to my plastic hose on the next replacement of the rubber hose,good to know about these "little parts",good old Brickwerks

At 12p each, makes you wonder if they are really needed if they aren't already in the kit though?