Morris Minor Owners Club

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 12:47 pm Post subject: Strange Fuel pump behaviour

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OK,

today has been Agathas first real run since the engine change. Running totally standard everything. 70 mile drive to work.

As I stopped in traffic on the way to work today the fuel pump went mental and the car stalled, Quick flick of the key (ignition off, then on again) and the car started again - with a generous helping of throttle - it did this 3 more times on the half mile stretch to the roundabout.

During the course of the journey the fuel pump again went manic a few times - sometimes at speed sometimes in traffic. When at speed, dipping the clutch and prodding the throttle returned then car to a normal steady tick. In traffic, if I caught it early enough banging the throttle on would prevent the stall but not stop the fuel pumps manic ticking (as at speed) if I got it too late the car would still stall.

Any ideas?

I reckon there must be some crud in the fuel system thats blocking the filter in the pump occaisionally....

I've a bit of pootling to do today and tomorrow and then the long hack back on wednesday

Check the fuel level in the float chamber and see if the pump still ticks with your finger over the end of the fuel pipe which could indicate an air leak. Also check that the contacts in the pump are are throwing over correctly.

Vacuum in the tank ? It's a bit early in the year for 'the vapours' !!

There's an interesting thought. I don't think theres likely to be a vacuum considering the state of the filler cap.

mine did this for the 1st time on the ramps at the MOT station - a sharp smack of the fuel pump cured it
- maybe the points in the pump are dirty?

Quick thought, there have been lots of suggestions about the points being grubby - if the earth is a bit flakey, could that be it?

Thats something that I could have a quick look at in the dark by the roadside...

Can I grease the moving parts of the pump or a drop of oil? Can someone tell me how to service it? How do you know the rocker is set right. How many turns for it on the thread. Manual says to gap points but it wouldn't work so my points don't have a gap for it to work. Should i ffit a relay to male thy pointts last longer and how to do it? The car has konkwd out a few times in the last week.

No- don't oil anything. The Manual description is pretty clear - just follow it!

what kind of fuel pipe do you have from the pump to the carb if you have the metal braded one that will help dispel the heat .

cheers dale, will check and report back, does it really make a difference?

Wouldn't think so!

Dont forget to check the float chamber needle valve, a bit of dirt in it can cause problems.