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General Tech Defective Fuel Pumps

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KVH

KVH

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Two years ago I ordered two new fuel pumps. I installed one in my TR4A, and it was defective. I pulled it out and installed my second one. Shortly after installation I put the car asleep on a battery tender for 7 months. I just tried to start the car. It won't start because the fuel pump, like my first new one, is defective (or went bad). Using the finger lever does absolutely nothing, indicating to me that the diaphragm must be bad. I got out an old spare I've had, and the car started right up. What's the deal here? Are these things really that shoddy and cheap? I've never experienced anything like this, and I suspect that there must have been a whole run of bad pumps a few years back. Anyone experience a similar situation? Thanks all.
 
What's the deal here? Are these things really that shoddy and cheap?

Yep - might be because of where they're made. We seem to prefer "cheap price" over "quality manufacture".

Just sayin'
 
What are the brand names of the pump's ? PJ
 
Again NEVER scrap an OE fuel pump that can be kitted back to snuff.IMHO this is
the prudent way to go. You will get your hands dirty , but your wife will know your NOT cheating on her.
Mad dog
 
mctriumph said:
Again NEVER scrap an OE fuel pump that can be kitted back to snuff.IMHO this is
the prudent way to go. You will get your hands dirty , but your wife will know your NOT cheating on her.
Mad dog
Click to expand...
There are several reasons some of the recent fuel pumps have been shoddy. But poor a diaphragm has not been one that I heard about. Do you know why the pump is not working?
Until TRF closed they were offering a new fuel pump built to a high standard. But it cost $200 or $150 on sale. But compared with the cheap $20-30 units they sold few. Maybe they will get them again?? I have two of them on my cars.
Many of us try to rebuild older pumps with a new kit. TRF just brought the kits back in stock. They are reported to be the best kits available.
Charley
 
I installed a Facet electric fuel pump years ago and it’s been very reliable. Like you, I got tired of rebuilding my mechanical pump.
 
Do those kits work on any TR3-4 pump body? BTW, mine has no manufacturer name on it but you can guess where I got the two in question. (Don’t want to run anyone down. We need all we can get at our ages)

My current defective one just won’t pump. If I work the lever the air burst noticeable at the outlet is so weak to almost be nonexistent.
 
KVH said:
Do those kits work on any TR3-4 pump body? BTW, mine has no manufacturer name on it but you can guess where I got the two in question. (Don’t want to run anyone down. We need all we can get at our ages)

My current defective one just won’t pump. If I work the lever the air burst noticeable at the outlet is so weak to almost be nonexistent.
Click to expand...
The TRF kit contains several pieces. The diaphragm is the main part. The 2 one way valves are the next and then an oil seal which goes below the diaphragm. On newer pumps the 2 one way valves are pinned in. I have not had any luck replacing those 2 valves. But on the pumps that I have rebuilt those original valves, that I left in continued to work. On older original pumps those valves are held with screws and easy to change.
Getting the diaphragm changed is the important part. In my opinion and experience all the TR3/4 pumps use the same diaphragm.
Charley
 
The usual failure point of the AM pumps coming out of India(?), is the pivot point of the arm.
If you have a pump that has a pivot pin peened into a grove, it is trash. The OE pump had the pin
pressed into a machined hole and never failed in the way the AM pump does.
The good news is you can strip an AM pump for parts to install on an original body ,as the diaphragm is
of good quality. Small consolation if you are sitting on the side of the road.....
Mad dog
 
mctriumph said:
The usual failure point of the AM pumps coming out of India(?), is the pivot point of the arm.
If you have a pump that has a pivot pin peened into a grove, it is trash. The OE pump had the pin
pressed into a machined hole and never failed in the way the AM pump does.
The good news is you can strip an AM pump for parts to install on an original body ,as the diaphragm is
of good quality. Small consolation if you are sitting on the side of the road.....
Mad dog
Click to expand...
I agree the pivot pin was the problem.
However some (I had one) the pivot pin was not held by anything but friction. I used a wad of J B WELD at each end of the pivot pin and the pump lasted until I replaced it. I now have it as a spare.
Charley
 
charleyf said:
There are several reasons some of the recent fuel pumps have been shoddy. But poor a diaphragm has not been one that I heard about. Do you know why the pump is not working?
Until TRF closed they were offering a new fuel pump built to a high standard. But it cost $200 or $150 on sale. But compared with the cheap $20-30 units they sold few. Maybe they will get them again?? I have two of them on my cars.
Many of us try to rebuild older pumps with a new kit. TRF just brought the kits back in stock. They are reported to be the best kits available.
Charley
Click to expand...
They have the new "expensive" pumps in stock. I just recived one a few weeks ago.
 
I have done the same in desperation.If you have no good core to build, invest in the big$$ quality one.
Mad dog
 
Berlin SU pumps is the only ones I will use. I think you can still get them with the points if wanted. (y)
 
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