Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2018 09:35:24 -0400
Reply-To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Fuel tank problem solving (Almost)
In-Reply-To: <9E1E0D9F-4B40-409A-A514-D17C1A9D6DF5@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
First, try adding another 5 gal. of gas.
The fuel pump does not normally stop when a certain pressure is reached;
there is no sensor to tell it or the ECU what the pressure is.
When you turn the ignition on but not to "start", the ECU turns on the
fuel pump for a couple of seconds regardless of pressure.
When the key is in the start position and when the engine is running, the
fuel pump runs continuously with the excess fuel coming back to the tank by
the return line.
I have tested fuel pumps by running them for a short time, pumping
charcoal lighter which is a little less dangerous than gasoline. YMMV
Larry A.
On Mon, Mar 26, 2018 at 4:35 PM, Cunegonde <
cunegonde.van.westfalia@gmail.com> wrote:
> It’s a $2 hose failure.
>
> When I blew CO2 into the supply/pump side spigot, all I heard was a
> whooshing noise. Not gurgling, similar to fish tank aerator bubbling sound.
> Hmmm, was the intake screen detached from its base and above fuel level?
> But why does the tank seem empty when I tap on it? I filled it just before
> the problem started!
>
> Planning to switch intake for return fuel lines in hopes of getting enough
> fuel flow to start the van, I detached the fuel pressure return line at the
> driver’s side tank spigot. Hose comes off in my hand as soon as I pull on
> it. A tiny dribble of gas comes out the return line, but nothing on the
> spigot end. Yep, the the tank’s empty because all the fuel dumped out while
> I was driving! No wonder the van wouldn’t run.
>
> I replaced the 8” 7mm ID hose at the return spigot, with new fuel line
> and stainless hose clamps. The engine fuel pressure return line is a rigid
> plastic 7mm OD hose that slips into the 7mm ID connector hose. Is this
> standard?
>
> I put 5 gallons of gas in the tank. Checked for fuel flow at both spigots.
> Yes, fuel from both sides. Tried to start car - I can hear the pump running
> but it doesn’t stop as it should when there’s sufficient fuel pressure. Car
> turns over but won’t start, presumably no fuel at the engine. I assume the
> fuel pump is damaged from running dry for too long?
>
> I detached the pressurized fuel line after the pump. No gush of
> pressurized fuel as I would expect, just a teaspoon or two from the engine
> side of the line.
>
> So next is a replacement fuel pump, or other suggestions?
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