Stuck fuel pump

[ChrisG]

Hi,

On alternative fuels forum, due to petrol not working I've been informed that it could be a stuck fuel pump that is not allowing the petrol to flow to the carb.

Is this easy to check? Would like to check this out and eliminate it first before Ito through the LPG electrics.

Regards
Chris

[ermie571]

HI Chris,

I haven't read your other post, but I have the same situation....on my LPG van the fuel pump has packed up. I know its the pump, as the recovery guy sprayed easy start and it fired...but without fuel it obviuosly didn't run. Apparently, as the pump is mechanical, it is running all the time...and because there is no fuel going through, they dry out, then the diaphragm splits. Could drop a new pump on there...but have been advised the best course of action is an electric pump which only runs when you flick the switch up front.

Found a pump on ebay for £25 (universal 12v electric fuel pump) you will need a 4 pin relay to sit where the solenoid is in the engine bay that switches from gas to petrol, and some wire. New fuel line is advisable - good chanve to renew them! There is help available if you ask - I haven't done mine yet....(it may get done by the garage when its in for MOT) but I have been reliably informed its about an hours work. You can either leave the old pump in situ or get a blanking plate.

Hope this helps

Em
xx


ok - it wasn't the pump

blockage in the fuel line.... cleared with compressed air....

Em
x

[ghost123uk]

Is this easy to check?

Yes, First have your engine COLD. Then you just find the petrol pipe that goes from the pump to the carb, remove it at the carb end, shove it into an empty clear plastic bottle. Then find the pipe that goes from the petrol solenoid to the pump and take it off at the solenoid end. Shove it in a clear plastic bottle with some petrol in it. Then get your assistant to fire the engine up on LPG. The petrol should get pumped from the full bottle to the empty one if the pump is working. It should have a decent pressure of "squirt" behind it, not a dribble !

Takes almost longer to write than to do, not as complicated as it sounds

PLEASE take great care with all this loose petrol and a running engine. Have your fire extinguisher ready (you do have one I take it !!) and a wet towel as well. Better safe than sorry !