9 replies to this topic

[Kombi]

Relevant Details

• 1971 Mini 1000
• 998cc
• Single SU Carb
• SU Electric Fuel Pump

 

I know this is a dumb one, but I'm trying to troubleshoot a starting problem.

 

When I click the key over to the "On" position, shouldn't I hear the fuel pump run? Even if the whole line is pressurized? I feel like I used to, but for some reason it's quiet and I don't know enough about these to determine whether that means the line is charged and the fuel pump is idle, or if the fuel pump has quit working.

 

Either way, the car isn't starting.

Edited by Kombi, 26 August 2018 - 11:53 PM.

[nicklouse]

dont know the SU pump but many will click to get to pressure and then just click occasionally to maintain pressure.

 

but the easist thing to do it pop the hose off the carb and turn the ignition on.

 

if the container you have placed to catch the fuel does its job and catches some fuel it works. if it is empty either you have fuel all over the place or the pump aint working.

 

 

 

sorry.

[Spider]

Does it have an Electric or Mechanical Pump?

 

You won't hear the Mechanical one.

 

If it has an SU Electric Pump, they are very quiet and will only 'pump' for a few seconds after turning on the key, once the system is up to pressure, it will only 'pump' every once in a bit.

[Kombi]

Yes, sorry, it's the standard SU electrical fuel pump.

 

Moke Spider, I think that probably answers my question. I was actually somewhat familiar with the whining noise from the pump, but I couldn't recall if I heard it continuously or not.

 

Nicklouse, I'll give the test you suggested a shot as well. Just to see and confirm whether the problem is fueling.

[Kombi]

Okay, so I had a helper try to start the car while I had the fuel line detached from the carb and, again not being an expert at anything here, nothing came out which would suggest to me that the fuel pump is not actually working.

 

I got some fuel out, but i'm almost certain that was simply what had collected in the filter.

 

Now, one of the things that's probably worth mentioning at this point is that my fuel filter is one of those generic, metal 2"/5cm diameter filters (Wix 33031) that are fairly common. I'm beginning to wonder if getting that to capacity might have been too much for the pump.

Edited by Kombi, 26 August 2018 - 10:35 PM.

[sledgehammer]

tap the pump - you may find it starts up again
 

it's possible the points are a bit burnt / worn ?

 

or it may be the lovely ethanol they are putting in petrol

 

it seems to be killing various parts in the fuel system

 

another thing , take the filler cap off , does this improve the flow ?

Edited by sledgehammer, 26 August 2018 - 10:56 PM.

[Kombi]

I will try taking the filler cap off.

 

It's entirely possible that the points are worn, but I don't feel like the pump is that old nor has it seen that much use. Still, a possible fix.

 

Yes, the ethanol fuel is scourge. I've been buying my gas for the Mini from a place that sells non-ethanol, but it certainly has had ethanol gas running through it so the damage may have been done.

[sledgehammer]

I can't remember if the pump has a condenser / capacitor in it ?

 

if it goes bad it can also cause problems / premature wear on the contacts ?

 

(may be wrong on this - been a long time since I had one apart)

[Trissy B]

Mine stops working now and then. They are just simple points, quick clean up and Emery coth between the points has worked for me.

[DeadSquare]

Remove the plastic cover, reconnect the wire and turn on the ignition.

 

Take a matchstick and "tickle" the contacts;  this should make the solenoid 'click';  if it does, the points just need cleaning / adjusting.

 

I always moved the pump from under the car, because I found that there was just room to fit it in the boot, under the corner of the tank behind the back of the rear seat in the dry.