fuel pump question......

[rngdng]

Have any of you ever run the fuel pump with the black cover off of it? The reason I ask, is that I had it off while repairing a fuel leak, and the contacts under that plastic cover arc constantly; better than most spark plugs! Now call me paranoid, but sparks on my FUEL pump, sorta make me nervous.

Granted, the plastic cover should keep it isolated, but I just find it hard to believe that Mitsubishi made something that cheesy; or that Honda would use something that cheesy.



Lane

[squirrelman]

No worries, mate.

Inspect your fuel lines in that area for cuts or nicks, especially under the brass spring clips, where cracks can hide.

The pump design goes way back in history...i remember a very similar unit fitted on my 1958 MGA. Lucas, of course, it needed frequent tapping with a hammer to get it going again.......

Fire danger is more likely from voltage regulator, not pump.

[rngdng]

I got all of the leaks repaired, but I had the cover off and saw the arcing. That just concerned me. It was working OK, but it was leaking around the seam where the pump is held together with the steel fingers. Rather than take it apart and try to find an o-ring (or whatever the seal is...) I did an external patch with my old favorite..JBWeld. It doesn't leak any more, but I'm going to replace it anyway....just because.

I doubt that I can resist the temptation to see if the new pump arcs the same way! It seems that they would have used arc-suppression diodes, or a capacitor to stop the arcing, like they do on points ignitions and relays.


Lane

[squirrelman]

leaking at that joint most likely means a tear or puncture in pump diaphram.

Sparks??? They ALL do it!!

Love that JB Weld!!!

[rngdng]

Ahhh, that makes sense. I have a used one coming (I hope it works!). Glad to know the sparks are normal.

Thanks,
Lane