fuel pump problem ?

[mrb]

Hi

Just been on a 50 + mile journey all running ok - but about a mile from home - heard a clicking type noise ! when l loked under the bonnet the clicking was coming from the fuel pump - but vanished when revved up !

Any idea s please ?

[bmcecosse]

Fuel pumps do click...possible vacuum in the tank/fuel vapourisation /overflowing float valve - the latter being the most likely I suspect.

[mrb]

Thanks BMC

But other than when switching ign on - never heard it so loud to cause concern ! do l take it that its normal - and that tomorrow it may have ceased ? sorry about ignorance - but assume that the latter possibility you give may need attention ?

Ta Dave

[bmcecosse]

Well - just keep an eye on it and see what develops !

[mrb]

Thanks again BMC

Will try it in the morning ! thanks for advice

Dave

[svenedin]

The pump clicks when it pumps. It's the points opening and closing and the diaphragm moving. It will usually click when starting up and then according to the demand for petrol. If it keeps on clicking for no apparent reason then it could be pumping petrol through a leaking fuel line so please check there aren't puddles of petrol under the bonnet! Other causes are an air lock in the fuel line in to the pump so it keeps on trying to pump but no fuel is being delivered. As BMC says, it can also be a faulty float valve. This is in the top of the float chamber attached to the carburettor and the float maintains a steady level of fuel in the chamber. When the level drops, the float falls, the valve opens and the pump detects the drop in pressure and starts pumping. If there is a problem with the float or the float valve petrol will leak out of the small vent hole in the top of the chamber.

[mrb]

Thanks

Will have a look in the morning - realized the pump clicks on demand - just suddenly kept clicking - so will check your suggestions Thanks very much

Dave

[bmcecosse]

I assume you had plenty petrol in the tank.......

[mrb]

Yes half full - must agree that was the first thing l looked at

Thanks

[bmcecosse]

If the float valve is leaking - at idle the pump will click away - and the engine will run very rich with the fuel overflowing the jet - when you rev up the fuel is used of course so it's not a problem then. The float valve may just stick intermittently - test by switching on - and not starting the engine. It should tick a few times then stop...any further ticking indicates a leak...just an odd click now and again is ok.

[katy]

Wouldn't hurt to check/clean the strainer in the pump.