Changing the fuel pump

[sgray]

My fuel pump has been playing up, though it does respond to being lightly thumped.

I realise this is quite common, but I think I'll replace it rather than run the risk of it leaving me stranded. I see that ESM sell two types, a "standard" pump and an "electronic" pump - either +ve or -ve earth.

I assume the "electronic" one is the one to get, but just wanted to check.

http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... 419212b37d

Can someone confirm this for me, and is there anything else I need to change with it?

Simon

[Jefftav]

AS long as you are still +earth then this should be a straight swap. I converted my existing pump to electronic a while back using a kit from Burlen (my car has been off the road for 14months) but prior to this and even now the pump still works fine.

The standard pumps are very reliable if set up correctly, so maybe a bit of TLC might keep your pump going for a bit longer. Or buy a good 2nd hand one.

[bmcecosse]

Many have reported problems/short life with the 'electronic' pump. I suggest you stick with the normal points pump - they seem to be good for ~ 50 years or so.
http://www.morrisminorspares.net/shop_item.php?ID=2165
And note - they do free delivery!

[PSL184]

Nothing wrong with standard pumps and I'm sure nothing wrong with yours that couldn't be much cheaply sorted. New points are easy to fit but it may just require a small dab of grease on the pivot points - remember - everything on Minors was designed to be serviceable and NOT throw away as in todays world. Repair, not replace !!!!

[bmcecosse]

I agree - new points, or even just a clean up of the points - will fix it!

[bigjohn]

i v got one that were stood for 4 years,that use to respond to a tap so i took the black cover off and spayed with wd40 now this is on the car and works
and like bmcecosse says the electronic ones dont last but the normal points ones have lasted 50 years+ with a bit of basic mantinence

[simmitc]

If you study the design of the pump (detailed in most manuals for the Minor) you'll see that there isn't really much to go wrong. The symptoms you describe are usually the points, but could also be a stiffened diaphragm, although this is very unlikely. As others note, try lightly dressing the points and a small amount of lubrication to the mechanism.

That said, if you are happier fitting a new pump, then there's nothing wrong with doing that, and then perhaps use the old one to practice maintenance. The new standard pump is usually quite reliable, although as with many things, a pump from 40 years ago will probably outlast one bought today.

There was a known problem with the electronic units a few years ago, where they had a very short life, but I believe that to have been cured, and have not heard any recent complaints. The bulk of the pump remains the same, it's just the switching that is different. In theory electronic should not wear out in the way that points erode, but then it's easy and cheap to replace points, less cost effective the change the electronic unit. Points work with either +ve or -ve earth, electronic has to be properly matched. I'm afraid that there is no black and white answer, it's a question of personal choice. The only thing of which we can be certain is that sooner or later your existing pump will stop completely - but it could be tomorrow or in two years time.

[MarkyB]

If an electronic one fails, it's game over.
You could tap it till the cows come home but it won't respond.

The SU pump responds to a bit of "encouragement"

[mike.perry]

It is always useful to have a spare pump so you could fit a new one and play around with the old one. I would stick to the normal pump. beware of foreign imitations without the filter.
It doesn't matter whether the car is + or - earth, the pump will still work.

[alanworland]

I'm still on the original pump - wouldn't have it any other way! (57 years old) Just one change of points about 30 years ago.

[stevey]

i'd stay with the original as well.