Date:         Thu, 20 Jun 2019 11:46:53 -0700
Reply-To:     Ryan Cresawn <jrcresawn@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ryan Cresawn <jrcresawn@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Bus Depot: Pierburg Fuel Pump
In-Reply-To:  <735B647C-EAF3-4E2B-8FB5-2ACB7ADDDB52@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

In early August 2017 I drove my 2.1 liter 1991 Vanagon into Roswell, New
Mexico and the engine stalled at a stoplight while at idle. There were no
problems during the prior 1,700 miles of the trip. It was hot on that day
in Roswell. The Vanagon sat on fresh asphalt and the ambient air
temperature was around 100 F degrees. I'm sure the road surface was hotter
than the air temperature due to the clear sky and bright, late-afternoon
sun.

After the engine stalled I was not able to start it and my brother and two
police offers pushed the Vanagon to a parallel parking space on a side road
near the courthouse. My brother and I began some simple diagnostic work and
weren't able to determine what caused the stall. After about 45 minutes I
started the engine and it ran perfectly for the rest of the drive to
Tucson, Arizona. I never determined with certainty what caused the stall
that day.

About 6 weeks later in mid-September in Tucson, the engine stalled again.
The solution was again to wait about 30-45 minutes and then the Vanagon was
ready to drive. My conclusion about these two stall events was that they
were caused by excessive heat and possible fuel starvation. My fuel pump
was a Bosch. My fuel filter was about 2-months old. I decided to research
fuel pump options with a focus on temperature operating range.

I could never find the temperature operating range rating for the Bosch so
I replaced it with one made by Delphi. I chose it because of this claim
from the manufacturer: "Rigorous OE-testing ensures the pump can withstand
extreme temperatures ranging from -25 to 150F". The Delphi fuel pump has a
foam sleeve which I assume is designed to insulate the fuel pump and slow
temperature changes within the pump. I also replaced the 2-month-old fuel
filter. This is the fuel pump:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1111641&cc=1286614&jsn=1

Here is a link to a photo of the Bosch and Delphi pumps. Note the diameter
difference and wiring connector differences.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/m5qyHGsqST6xjrBv5

What I don't like about this pump is that the wire connectors for the Bosch
fuel pump must be replaced with a different style to fit the Delphi fuel
pump. Also the Delphi is slightly longer and requires new fuel hoses that
will accommodate the pump's different position in the fuel pump mounting
strap. But what I like about the Delphi fuel pump is that it has not failed
me in nearly 2 years here in the Southwest on several trips in temperatures
over 100 F degrees. Prior to buying the Delphi I searched the Vanagon
mailing list, but I couldn't find any opinions on the Delphi fuel pump. I
knew I was taking a chance on it, and so far I'm happy with my choice.

Ryan
1991 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper
Tucson, Arizona


On Wed, Jun 19, 2019 at 9:30 PM OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@comcast.net> wrote:

>                 Steve
>
>         This is the Fuel Pump I have been running with on my 90Westy for
> 8Yrs
>
> & 66000Mi's & it shows no signs of giving up yet ~
>
> https://tinyurl.com/y4ou2cfz
>
>
>
>
>
> https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-69100-Original-Equipment-Replacement/dp/B000BZIC90/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Volkswagen%7C74&Model=Vanagon%7C963&Year=1990%7C1990&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive&vehicleId=3&vehicleType=automotive
>
>
> On 19 Jun , 2019, at 8:51 AM, Steve Williams wrote:
>
> > I'm curious about the Pierburg brand fuel pump on the Bus Depot web site:
> >
> > http://www.busdepot.com/251906091
> >
> > I had a problem with fuel delivery last year, so I'm certainly willing
> > to pay a bit more for an important component like the fuel pump.  Maybe
> > Ron Salmon will comment on that selection.
> >
> > Here are prices I see this morning:
> >
> > Bus Depot Pierburg: $219.95
> >
> > GoWesty Aftermarket: $52.45
> >
> > GoWesty Bosch: $122.45
> >
> > Van Cafe/RWM Bosch: $149.95
> >
> > Honestly, I enjoy paying more for peace of mind, on the advice of people
> > I trust.  And I trust Ron, having gotten some good support from Bus
> > Depot last year.  So is it worth the extra money?  My Bosch fuel pump is
> > working fine now, but I like to travel with a spare.
> >
> > https://sbw.org/sbwsty/
>
>