Fuel pump- electronic points

[rossbraithwaite]

Hi All, I have an original style SU fuel pump that I converted to electronic points myself using the Burlen kit. The pump has been working fine for about 8 years but has just failed. I had expected the electronic conversion to be more durable than that. Are my expectations too high? Should I be grateful for 8 years or trouble free operation?

[mgcjag]

Is it the electronic part thats failed?......There isnt nuch to go wrong in the electronics.....if it is then you could get another electronic board from our member Marek....or replace the component parts yourself...or convert it back to non electronic ........Steve

[rossbraithwaite]

Is it the electronic part thats failed?......There isnt nuch to go wrong in the electronics.....if it is then you could get another electronic board from our member Marek....or replace the component parts yourself...or convert it back to non electronic ........Steve

I believe so as the failure has been intermittent. Converting back would feel retrograde.

[mgcjag]

Intermittant could be a broken wire, earth....the points.....might not be anything wrong with the electronics....you need to get it out and test it and the wireing........you could replace it and find its a wireing problem in a connector in the dash...etc....while your at it fit a fuse to the cct.....Steve......PS..when you reply you dont need to quote it just uses up server space

[JerryL770]

I have one of Marek's electronic conversions, which I found I did not need when I extracted my pump to find it was a new one with electronic "points".

I was glad that I did however, as I found that the banjos were leaking - not sufficiently tight or missing the proper washer!! Bought some new washers and put the pump back again. Yours for £15.

Jerry

[MarekH]

The most likely failure modes with electronic components are always in the following order:-
1/ moving parts (bearings, motor winding contacts, brushes, etc)
2/mechanical switches
3/ connectors
4/ high current parts
5/ low current control circuitry.

The basic SU mechanism (1/ 2/ - the points cradle) is mechanically good for 20 years or more and there is no 2/ to 5/ so it is a pretty reliable and good product by default. It's downside is that 2/ and 4/ is the points cradle and it suffers cumulative electrical wear and tear which starts to manifest itself after ~20 years usage.

The Burlen electronic pump uses the plunger to trigger a magnetic sensor which then has circuitry to turn the current on and off. If your problem isn't a clear 1/ to 3/ then it won't be readily fixable unless you post a circuit diagram and also have skill with surface mount components for 5/.

The Marek solution only has five components, doesn't need any soldering and doesn't even introduce any new moving parts or any high tech. It simply converts the original points into a low current usage item. This means the electrical wear and tear associated with switching high currents is eliminated and the points reliability is frozen in time. The "target audience" is anyone with an old SU pump older than 20 years.

Instructions are in the "sticky" at the top of the wanted/for sale section.
Good luck.

kind regards
Marek

[JerryL770]

So, Marek, does that mean that even if I had tried, I would not be able to fit your electronic board into my newer, presumably Burlen (I don't know for certain) fuel pump? Because it lacks points? I don't remember looking that closely, some time ago.

[mgcjag]

Hi Jerry.....Burlan still sell the old style points cradle pumps....if you have one then you can convert it to switch low current through the points with Mareks or Burlans conversion board........Burlan also sell "pointless" electronic pumps.....the part number on your pump will identify it.....Steve

[MarekH]

Correct Jerry - it'd be pointless to try.
See viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15667
The big clues are in the title and in the first paragraph.

kind regards
Marek