Date:         Thu, 16 Jan 2003 09:28:06 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: ARG! HELP! fuel pump problems
Comments: To: Greg Marshall <earthboy@ROGERS.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Some applications of used equipment are penny wise, pound foolish.

Installing a used fuel pump is like putting on a used water pump. Never
do it. Consider how much that pump runs over time on the original
vehicle. Look at the mileage of the original vehicle, and that will give
you an idea about how long that pump has been running. Remember that
fuel pumps run from the time the ignition switch is turned on,
regardless of whether or not the vehicle moves. That means there is more
fuel pump mileage than vehicle mileage. Every stop, every idle warmup,
that pump is running and vehicle is not moving. Used fuel pumps, like
used water pumps are a very bad idea.  Pull that sucker and install a
NEW one. Yes, they are expensive, but  it's worth every nickle for peace
of mind in the middle of the night going over Snoqualamie Pass!!!... or
wherevever else you might be.

Do the usual checks for debris in the line before you do it, however.
And try running for a while without the fuel cap on tight, just to
double check for any vacuum on the tank.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Greg Marshall wrote:

>Hi folks..
>
>Here's the background situation.
>
>Had a new fuel tank put in the van in the fall, also put on a new to me
>used pump, because mine packed up at about the same time th tank did.
>Everything was running fine until Monday.
>
>Monday:  Fuel pump started to whine and groan and van seemed starved.
>
>What I did: Replaced the pump, filter, pump connections, and short
>sections of fuel line around the pump.
>
>New fuel pump seemed fine at first, but now is whining just like the old
>one, and the van still seems starved.
>
>I really need some list wisdom on this one.  I have to drive my van for
>abot an hour a day to work and back, and it's scary on the highway when
>it's not getting full power.  Please help!
>
>Thank you list gurus.
>
>Greg.
>82 Westy
>
>
>