Date:         Mon, 23 May 2011 13:03:06 -0400
Reply-To:     Jonathan Poole <jfpoolio@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jonathan Poole <jfpoolio@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Was Electronic Ignition, Is Fuel Pump Power problem
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Howdy List,

A month or so ago I asked for suggestions on the 3k rev limit that I've seen
on my '83 AC Westy since going to a Pertronix Solid State ignition.  I only
drive every few weeks so have just gotten to the point where my
troubleshooting has led me to more relevant information about the problem.

After lots of adjustments/checks etc. I found out that power to the fuel
pump was/is intermittent.  Typically I was seeing a cutout at 3k rpm but it
started missing at other rpms yesterday and then cutout all at once on me.
I coasted to a stop and quickly found that there was no pressure at the fuel
rail when trying to start the van.  Ignition was fine.  Fuel flow to the
pump was great, and the filter was replaced last week.  A voltmeter check at
the fuel pump showed a very low voltage change equivalent to no voltage at
the fuel pump as the engine was started.  I checked the fuel pump cutoff in
the AFM and it was set properly.  I later confirmed that it was working
after I got the engine running.  I'm not sure how but it kills the engine as
it should even after my fuel-pump hotwire.  To get the van going again I ran
a hot-wire to the fuel pump lead and manually fed electricity to the pump.
The van fired right up, drove great and no longer has the 3k rpm cutout.

So, the problem was apparently the positive feed of power to the pump.  I'm
not sure if this is tied into the ignition changes, or if there is another
problem in the circuit.  I've yet to dig out my manuals to look at the
circuits etc. but would love to hear about the fuel pump power circuit and
any troubleshooting/repair suggestions of this problem.  Hot-wiring the van
is neat and all but I'd rather get the pump power working again.

Thanks,

Jonathan Poole
'83 AC Westy