8 replies to this topic

[oohaargh]

I had a problem previously with my spi (96 equinox) where it would stall a lot, usually about 30s after being started but also while driving. It would then start again and run for about 2s before dying again, even if you gave it lots of revs.

Turned out the fuel tank was fitted really badly, I think after the previous owner had it resprayed. The belt was over the top of the fuel lines and they were too short, so there was a kink in one and both were squashed.

Fitted some new longer lines and put the tank back in properly and all was well for about a month.

Now it's started up with similar symptoms again. When it happens, the only thing that fixes it is going in the boot and giving the fuel tank a good slap and shaking it around a bit. That seems to (temporarily) fix it 100% of the time.

There's also a high pitched whining noise coming from the boot when the cars running, you can hear it a bit on https://youtu.be/Ebl2omvkJyU

Have I just got a sad fuel pump or is there something else that could be causing this?

Is there a way to test the fuel pump I've got without just buying a new one?

Thanks

[MiniMadRacer]

Sounds like you have some "crap" in the tank which may well have clogged the pump up and perhaps burnt it out / damaged it a bit...I woud drain the tank as a first step, see what crap comes out... be very very careful draining that fuel out though.. disconnect the battery etc, have an extinguisher to hand...

[FlyingScot]

Sounds like the pump is struggling - have you changed the fuel filter on the rear subframe ?

 

Best to take tank out as above. Plus remove pump and check filter sock.

 

Unless you have fuel pressure testing kit then all you can do is visual checks.

 

From your description of thumping the tank and it getting better sounds like either something blocking up suction side of the pump or it’s sticking. A replacement pump isn’t a fortune so if everything else is okay it might be worth replacing.

 

FS

[oohaargh]

Cheers for the responses. Annoyingly I'd been intending to clean out the tank when I had it out last time but the fuel gauge is so pessimistic I ran out of jerry cans. Will drain it off again and see whats going on inside. Probably start with a good clean and see if that does the trick, then new pump if not.

I changed the fuel filter a couple of months back so that should be ok.

Will probably stick some redex in after cleaning for good measure.

Will let you know how it goes

[oohaargh]

Got it all drained off this evening but no smoking gun, looks pretty pristine in the tank. There was however a loose rubber o-ring floating in the bottom which is never a great sign.

Any ideas what that might be off? Wasn't obviously missing from anywhere.

In any case, I've ordered a new pump so will stick that in and see if makes any difference, £40 seems like a worthwhile investment to hopefully sort it or at least rule that out

[oohaargh]

Got the new pump in and I'm tentatively optimistic - only time will tell and haven't taken it out for a good run yet, but it idled happily for half an hour on the drive.

For anyone coming across the thread later I got an ITP336 pump off eBay for £45, fitted pretty easily. Just needed a couple of new connectors crimping onto the existing wires, plus about an inch of the pipe which attaches to the pump sawn off to fit it in. Definitely worth spending the hour or so fettling it to fit than £165 on the full pump setup from minispares

[Citymini]

I found the same rubber o ring in my tank. No idea what it was for.

[Citymini]

It goes on the center of the float for fuel sending unit.

Edited by Citymini, 02 November 2021 - 10:45 PM.

[xrocketengineer]

Check this out: 

 

https://www.theminif...ins-of-running/