Date:         Thu, 18 Jan 2001 15:21:34 -0500
Reply-To:     John Philcox <jphilcox@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Philcox <jphilcox@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Fuel Pump Problem '85 GL

The wisdom of the list is respectfully requested.

Last winter I had a fuel pump problem which showed the following symptoms:
1.  Van wouldn't start due to lack of fuel from pump.
2.  After a while I figured out that I could turn the key to activate the
fuel pump.  If I cycled the pump a few times - usually anywhere from 2 to 8
cycles, then I would hear a particular sound - sort of a pop+sigh.  As soon
as I heard this sound, I could turn the key all the way and the van would
start right up.  I think the sound was the check valve in the pump.
3.  I checked fuel flow from pump.  Had zero flow, until I heard the sound.
4.  Once started, ran fine.

I replaced the pump with a new Bosch and had no more problems.  Now, about
six months later I have exactly the same symptoms.  I did the flow check per
Bentley and get zero flow from the return side of the fuel pressure
regulator.  There is fuel flowing at the T, but I don't have a fuel pressure
gauge.  Fuel flows freely through the (new) filter into the pump.  All
electrical connections seem clean and solid, voltage is good, but I don't
have an ammeter.  Again, once started, she runs fine.  I think the symptoms
indicate low output from the pump.

Question:  Do I have another bad pump, or is there something else I should
check?  If I do have another bad pump, could something have caused it that I
should fix also?

John Philcox
'85 GL
Newport, RI