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Possible fuel pump failure imminent?

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RickB

RickB

Yoda
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This is on the 78 Midget w/ Nissan A15

I think my fuel pump may be failing. either that or the filter or the line are clogged. It started running rough, if I have it running at higher revs it will go but otherwise it wants to die. Fuel filter was empty when I arrived at work this AM.
So, is the pump rebuildable or do I have to find a new one or what?
 
I'm assuming the pump is electric? Some are rebuildable and some are disposable. You'll have to determine what is on the car.

If it is mechanical, then post to a datsun message board. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
 
If you have fuel filter or pump problems it should run better at idle and low rpms and start acting up at higher rpms when you open it up as there would be more fuel demands. This sounds like an ingition problem. Check all the inginiton connections good and make sure your battery is charged good. Those electrinic ignitions start to act up with low voltage and if you have a charging problem then at low rpms this might effect the ingnition.
 
Thanks Kim, I would think that too except the filter usually sits there half full of gas and now it's empty.

This pump sits on the passenger side of the motor down just behind the mount. I didn't have much time to examine it this morning as I was late for work. Theres an auto parts store around the corner, but I left all my tools at home like an idiot. Geez, buy a new MG and leave your tool kit at home - that's optimistic.
 
Well according to this picture (look at the bottom) it's a mechanical pump. Those screws in the top make me think it may be serviceable...

100_3158.JPG
 
Many mechanical pumps are serciceable. Call the local autoparts store and see if they show a rebuild kit for it.
 
Trouble is the first question they ask is the car make & model.
Having no idea what the engine came out of will present certain difficulty.
I can say it's a Nissan A15 - I have a feeling that's not going to be helpful.
 
I wrote call the "local autoparts store" not the "brain dead national chain store"
 
Try 1980 Datsun 210
 
Thanks Trevor, the one around the corner is the brain dead variety. "Hi, I used to be a Carny & now I'm sellin' otto ports". Thankfully they usually have their computer screen angled so the customer can see it.
I'll try what you suggest, unless I can get the thing to drive me to NAPA - a mile away.
 
I'm thinking about fitting a generic electric pump?
Seems like a good idea, any ideas? What could / should I get?
 
Since it is a late model Midget an (expensive) SU would fit right up but one of the "gold box" generics from Shucks would work fine.
Bill
 
I got the pump from Schucks. Put it on, still had the problems.

I found a stupid little wire had come off the choke.
No wonder it went through half a tank of gas in one trip to work & back. I can usually make 2 to 3 trips on that much gas.

Oh well, now the connection is much better. And I have a brand new electric fuel pump.

So, where do I get a cover for the whole that will be left behind when I remove the mechanical pump?
 
Afraid you will prob have to make it or have it made from a flat piece of alum or steel, use the gasket for a sample.
 
"You could just plug each end and leave it on there"

Well that's the immediate plan, but I see cool chrome fule pump covers out there and think it would be nice to find one that fits. I will remove mine, make a print and see if I can find one to fit.

Or ask on the Datsun bbs...
 
I didn't realise you had the whole datsun engine. My dad had an old b210 forever and it never gave any fuel pump problems, but knowing that it is a mechanical pump, your problem makes more sense then. You might rebuild it and keep if for a spare and still make the blanking plate. Most of those chome plates I see are for big ford and chevy engines. Let me know the dimensions and I might be able to find you a piece of stainless steel to make the cover out of.
 
Thanks Kim, since the mechanical pump is still good I will save it as a spare. I have to pull it off to make a print or measure the dimensions for a plate, then I'm going to look around & see if anything comes close. After that, if I don't find something I'll make it.
 
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