Date:         Wed, 27 Apr 2005 13:00:10 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Ran out of gas ....now won't start ??
Comments: To: Stew <stew@SWITCH99.F2S.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <426FEA81.8040902@switch99.f2s.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

What you were hearing was not likely the fuel pump. The fuel pump is
controlled by the ECU and does not run continuously unless the engine is
turning. It runs for a second or 2 when the key is first turned on and
then stops unless the ECU thinks the engine is being started or is
running. This is a safety mechanism in case of accident or ruptured fuel
line. If the engine stops turning, the ECU shuts off the fuel pump.

If you have a 86 or later you probably heard the humming or buzzing of
the idle control valve on the top of the engine.

If you had turned the key on and off several times that would likely
have cleared all the air from the lines.

Mark

Stew wrote:

> Just had the same problem. I don't suppose the van is facing uphill by
> any chance?
> I had to undo the bleed screw on the T piece as detailed earlier. When I
> turned the ignition on, a little fuel leaked out then stopped, but the
> noise from the fuel pump continued on and on, meaning it has not
> pressurised to the correct back pressure (I assume). Turned the ignition
> off. I then spent 30 minutes with a 4 foot plastic tube over the open
> bleed hole, sucking hard and then holding the pressure, then release and
> try again, until a load of air bubbles came out. It was a bit like
> bleeding brakes! I suspect it would be easier to just get the van onto a
> flat road and try again.
> Hope this helps,
> Stew.
>