Fuel pump not working after winter

Technical advice Q&A

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LeffeBrune
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#1 Fuel pump not working after winter

Post by LeffeBrune » Mon Feb 20, 2017 11:31 pm

I tried to start my S1 after the winter (last tour about late October). Battery ok but fuel pump does not seem to work (no tock tock tock after turning the key). I already tried to deblock it hitting it with hammer but no luck. I also opened the fuel tank, which is about half full.

Any suggestions welcome. I dread the idea having to take the pump out.

Thanks.

Georg

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ralphr1780
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#2 Re: Fuel pump not working after winter

Post by ralphr1780 » Tue Feb 21, 2017 8:52 am

Georg, sounds elementary but better to ask: did you check the fuses? These may oxidise and even if they look ok might not make good contact enough.
I would first pull the wires at the pump and check that you have proper power when ignition is turned on.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Ralph
'69 OTS + '62 OTS - Belgium

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42south
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#3 Re: Fuel pump not working after winter

Post by 42south » Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:30 am

I have heard stories of the pump points getting a little corrosion on them over winter. Pull the pump, take off the Bakelite or plastic cap and clean the points with emery paper. They are what gives you the tic tic when power is on.
Regards
Mark Brown
1971 S3 Etype, now sold, sadly.

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abowie
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#4 Re: Fuel pump not working after winter

Post by abowie » Wed Feb 22, 2017 2:21 am

LeffeBrune wrote: Any suggestions welcome. I dread the idea having to take the pump out.

Thanks.

Georg
Certainly not my favourite job in a S1 FHC.
I'd try the hammer a bit more first.
Also try disconnecting the fuel pipe at the fuel filter in the engine bay and then see if fuel will run out of the hose.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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LeffeBrune
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#5 Re: Fuel pump not working after winter

Post by LeffeBrune » Mon Feb 27, 2017 5:54 pm

First of all, thanks for the responses so far. I checked that the pump has power and it does. I also tried the hammer again several times but unfortunately to no avail.

Mark, would you have a picture of the Bakelite or plastic cap?

And where would I find the fuel filter?

Sorry for asking such basic questions but they reflect my level on knowledge--or lack thereof.

Thanks.

Georg

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42south
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#6 Re: Fuel pump not working after winter

Post by 42south » Mon Feb 27, 2017 9:50 pm

Hi Georg
My car is a S3 so I'm not the best person to ask for your questions. However If you google for pictures of jaguar S1 fuel pumps there are plenty of pictures.
The cap is at the end away from the main pump body. The points inside look very similar to the ones in your distributor.
Cheers
Mark
Mark Brown
1971 S3 Etype, now sold, sadly.

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Hugo
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#7 Re: Fuel pump not working after winter

Post by Hugo » Sun Mar 05, 2017 9:10 pm

I have known modern fuels to gum up the disc valves in fuel pumps if left standing for long periods. I had one that was so sticky you could press your finger on it & it would stick to your finger. The only thing I found to clean it off was paint thinners.
Points are the usual suspects on SU pumps, and the easiest to check. Just pull the cover off & press your finger on the end of the points & see if anything happens. Something like ticking, preferably.
Hugo Miller - rebuilding an imported Series II OTS & converting to RHD

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LeffeBrune
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#8 Re: Fuel pump not working after winter

Post by LeffeBrune » Fri Mar 17, 2017 2:25 pm

Thanks for all the good advice. Eventually, I decided replacing the pump by an electronic pump. Once installed, the car started at the second attempt and that after having been idle since October. I then got an oil change and a good thorough check and now look forward to the season.

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