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Fuel Pump

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healeygal

Jedi Warrior
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Among other recent problems, my Healey was sputtering a bit, and I thought "there goes the fuel pump," since it's been on the car the 28 years I've had it. (It's a Bendix, not an SU.)

The problem turned out to be a lack of gasoline (I was down to about 2 ounces, I'm sure) and a dirty fuel filter, which has been replaced (did it myself!) And yes, I did it again - I was having such a good time driving around, I forgot to check the gas gauge. Anyway, everything's OK now, but it got me to thinking about fuel pumps - what's the recommended replacement these days - solid state or original? (I kind of like the idea of being able to bang on the original style with a hammer to keep it going in a pinch.)

I've got a Purolator for a spare and had it on the car once, but didn't care for it's annoyingly loud ticking, and since the old one tested out OK, I had it put back on. Planning ahead for the next potential problem, I want to get something else to put on the car and keep the Purolator as a spare. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
 
Unless you are going concours or have a problem with your pump, I would just stick with what you have and carry that purolator as a spare in the trunk.

My BN1 came with a very old Bendix pump that sounds like an SU but appears to be much more reliable. I know that this Bendix has worked fine for the 30 years I've had this car. No way I would change it for an SU. When I had my MGB I could count on changing or rebuilding the SU every couple of years.

I have no experience with the solid state pumps, but they "sound" interesting, though it's hard to imagine a Healey without that fuel pump heartbeat telling you that it's working.....I'm sure others will comment on their experience with them.
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Healey 100:
I know that this Bendix has worked fine for the 30 years I've had this car. No way I would change it for an SU. <hr></blockquote>


That's good to hear - I really like the Bendix and the very pleasant sound of its constant ticking, but was a bit concerned because it's been on the car for as long as I've had it. Thanks for the reply!
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[ 01-30-2003: Message edited by: healeygal ]</p>
 
Boy, you remind me of a time when my MG-B broke down in the Nevada desert and I pushed it to the only light on the highway. I had suspected the fuel pump might be mis-behaving so I got a kit and carried it with me. The light turned out to be a brothel (leagl in Nevada). My x-wife went in for coffee while the manager held a flashlight. It was 3 am. Nice people. Such memories LBC owners have.
Rich
 
Consider a solid-state SU--mine has not missed a beat since I installed it about two years and 20K miles ago, though there were many reports of them being problematic when they first came out. I do have a NAPA pump plumbed in series with the SU between it and the fuel tank but have never had to fall back upon it.

Best--Michael Oritt
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Blonde Healey Girl:
... Mine was leaking, more of a weeping. <hr></blockquote>
I recall thar, BHG. WHAT did you ever do (besides ignore me e-mails)??
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Ed
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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Blonde Healey Girl:
Might want to go back in the Forum on page three Some of the guys offered me some pump advice.<hr></blockquote>

Hi BHG,

Lots of interesting info in that thread - thanks.

Thanks to everyone else for their suggestions, too. For now, I guess I'll stay with the Bendix as long as it keeps on ticking, and keep the SU in mind. Kind of want to go with the original, but everyone seems to recommend the solid state - decisions, decisions!
 
The only thing I'm ignoring is my fuel pump!! Hoping that it will sort of fix itself?? Everytime I look, it appears to be weeping less. Besides, having too much fun driving around the neighborhood in second gear. (Dry rot tires and wires that need paint.)
 
there is a topic on Todds Austin america website about using a capacitor to cut down on points burning in original SUs. I prefer cheap jcwhitney SS pump. -Josh
 
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