Club 80-90 Forums

Hi

I would a appreciate it if someone could hopefully point me in the right direction.

I have a 1.9 DG (1990) I used it for much of yesterday without a problem, it usually runs fine, bit slow hot starting but that's all.

It cut out tonight while driving (fully warmed up) and wouldn't re-start, it fires for a split second then just turns over, this went on for ages until the battery went flat, I had to have it uplifted.

I guessed, given the split second running then churning over that it's fuel related. Pump is about two years old from JK, pump actuator rod the same I can't remember where that was from but definitely a known supplier.

I took a look at it today and the fuel pump push rod was noticeably worn and shorter than a new one (I had a spare). I am shocked at this as I have owned the camper for years and never heard of the fuel pump rod until a couple of years ago. Compared to the original, the new rod hasn't lasted five minutes.

Any advice on best place to buy the rod would be appreciated, I guess the relatively new pump will not be part of the issue.

Thanks in advance

I’m not sure from your description it’s fuel, because if it was fuel and it ran, it would run for longer at a time, the carb float chamber worth at least ?

Easy to check, fully charged battery , take king lead off coil, take out let pipe off the pump and put a clear pipe into a jar and spin it over . No fuel, then investigate from the tank end , filter , pipe to pump , pump and rod ( 100mm , any less, replace)

I recon it’s electrical , so start with basics , get a spare spark plug and take on lead off, see if sparks see if happening , work back from there

It could be your fuel system especially your fuel filter, a clogged filter can cause random stalls and unable to restart. There should be only one filter just after the tank underneath, some add a second in the engine bay but this is a fire risk and should be removed. There's also a cone filter in the inlet to the carb if you have a pierburg 2e3 fitted.

Thanks for the replies, I checked it today and it was the fuel pump rod. It was noticeably shorter compared to my new (spare).

Could anyone advise me on bet replacement supplier for the rod as this one hasn't lasted five minutes compared to the original which lasted for years.

I'm guessing the fuel pump will not be part of the issue.

Thanks

Brickwerks.co.uk
Fit the spare if its longer!
Don't forget to fit all three gaskets
And grease the rod

Thanks for the replies, I have ordered a couple of spare pump rods from two different sources.

Researching a bit further I found a post from someone who had exactly the same problem, broke down with the same symptoms and initially disregarded the pump actuator rod as it was replaced previously, turned out to be the rod as in my case.

Thinking about this I am going to have to change my approach moving forward and if it starts to struggle when hot starting, change the rod.

I also appreciate a lot of people on the forum recommend an electric pump conversion, that would cure it of course, but I cant escape the fact that it ran fine for years on the original rod, there's no denying that.

We love the van, however its the only vehicle I know where were having to change a pump actuator practically whenever we change the plugs.

If you're getting through pump rods then something isn't right
There are two gaskets and a heat baffle.
The rods need grease initially
The cam only moves the pump diaphragm a few millimetres.
Or you're just incredibly unlucky..

kevtherev wrote:If you're getting through pump rods then something isn't right
There are two gaskets and a heat baffle.
The rods need grease initially
The cam only moves the pump diaphragm a few millimetres.
Or you're just incredibly unlucky..

or they are made of chinesium?

Well considering the first one lasted years and years, and the second about 2, and was greased, it has to be down to poor quality rods.

Any recommendations for a good supplier would be appreciated.

Thanks

Elsaetka wrote:
Any recommendations for a good supplier would be appreciated.

Thanks

An original VW one.

I had this problem, with both new rods and pumps being poor quality (on the T25, a beetle and a T2) Originals last 20+ years new ones manage the warranty period. Bought a GSF one in an emergency, only to find out it was too short new!

Ended up with electric pumps as I got fed up with the constant faff of having to change the pump or rod at some inopportune moment.

Good luck finding a suitable replacement.

Yes, an original VW would sort it out, if only I had a time machine.

T25 Convert, I think you sum things up well. Change to an electric pump which many are in favour of, or change the rod on a 'regular' basis and carry a spare.

At least the feedback confirms my thoughts, plus the post might help others as i'm definitely not the only one.

Are the vw ones obsolete? If not try vw, most dealers have a parts department.