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TR2/3/3A Fuel pump quit!

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J

John_Progess

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Took the 60 TR3 out for a ride and it quit on me 4 times. I noticed that the fuel pump bowl had fuel in it. I found that I could use the primer lever on the pump and it would start again. After i finally got home I did some tests. I found the float bowels were empty so I put some gas them, primed the fuel pump and started the engine. I disconnected the fuel line at the carbs and I noticed that gas flowed but the flow got less and less and finally quit. I rebuilt the pump during the restoration and have about 350 miles on the car. If the primer lever on the pump works does that mean that the diaphragm is ok? What could cause it to quit pumping? Thanks for your help and have a good day!

John
 
Could also be a blockage in the line from the tank to the pump or even in the tank itself.

You can clamp that length of hose to the pump and undo it. Fuel should flow freely when it is unclamped.
 
It could be any of the issues stated above or it could be something else.

Could be one of the two valves in the rebuilt pump, or a loose connection or pin hole in the line between the tank and pump. It could even be the glass bowl is not sealed tight.

It is possible to be sucking in air when the bowl appears full since the gas come into the top of the bowl and also exits it at the top.

Any of these issues will allow the pump to suck air into the system and the hole may be that small that you can't see gas leaking out.

It could be something else none of use have mentioned.

My 1933 Chevrolet uses nearly the exact AC fuel pump minus the priming lever and I had an issue with it sucking in air a few years ago.
 
Two other possibilities, one very unfortunate, are a fault in the lever that rides on the cam or a worn cam lobe. If the latter, it will send you to an electric pump.
Bob
 
I wanted to add my own experience regarding faulty fuel pumps on a TR3. The issue was similar in my experience. I was able to use the lever to prime to fill the SU carb float bowls, but the fuel pump would not work with the engine running.

The reason was because the fuel pump lever slipped to the side of the cam lope when installing. In my case, the fuel pump was a reproduction so the lever would move left to right. I would check the fuel pump lever to make sure it is not able to move in the left - right direction.

Good luck,

bobhustead said:
Two other possibilities, one very unfortunate, are a fault in the lever that rides on the cam or a worn cam lobe. If the latter, it will send you to an electric pump.
Bob
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