Author Topic: Fuel pump kaput?  (Read 3699 times)

BimwadM42

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Fuel pump kaput?
« on: October 14, 2010, 02:31:53 AM »
Hey guys,

I'm tired after having a bad day, compounded by a recalcitrant car that left me stranded, but I wanted to throw this out there so I can get some feedback and won't be stranded any longer than I have to.

Long story short:

-Hot day.  E36 edition M42.  Ran normally until today.

-Refuelled car.  When I tried to (warm) start it, it fired and would only briefly maintain a lumpy/misfirey low idle, before petering out and dieing.  Giving it throttle would not rev the engine, and only caused it to die more quickly.  It has on rare occasion done the low idle thing before, but a subsequent restart would work and it would return to normal running.  This time, it became a persistent condition.

-Unplugged ICV to see if forcing it into limp mode would make a difference.  No difference.

-Same with AFM.  No difference.

-Removed back seat cushion and in the Olde English tradition, gave the top of the fuel pump/sender a few knocks with the handle of a screwdriver.  Didn't help.

-Got it flatbedded home.  After recharging the battery, tried a quick retest, and now find that it cranks, but won't fire at all.  When the ignition key is turned to the run position, I can't hear the usual "thump" from the fuel pump priming like I usually do, even with the seat and pump portal cover removed.  Doesn't make a peep.


That leads me to think the pump finally gave up the ghost, or perhaps the fuse or relay is dead, but I was too tired to check them in the darkness.  Will check them, as well as for voltage at the plug when daylight returns.

The pump is original, so it's new well into its teenage years and over 100k miles.

I'm leaning toward ordering a new pump, but wanted to see if anything else is worth considering.

Danke.
« Last Edit: October 14, 2010, 02:33:58 AM by BimwadM42 »

gearheadE30

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Fuel pump kaput?
« Reply #1 on: October 14, 2010, 02:10:00 PM »
Likely the pump. What was happening with the low idle is residual fuel would get into the cylinders when they opened to prime the engine, but it couldn't keep up enough flow to let the car run. As soon as that gas is burned, it dies. Mine did the exact same thing. NAPA had a fuel pump in stock for like $70 iirc, but that was for an e30.

1991 318is Turbo
1989 Caprice Classic Wagon named Humphrey
1979 Suzuki GS750E

BimwadM42

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Fuel pump kaput?
« Reply #2 on: October 14, 2010, 03:39:32 PM »
Thanks for the tip.  Sounds logical.

Today, found that the engine will crank, but not fire at all.

The pump fuse is OK, and the relay appears to be as well.  I can hear it click then click back when the ignition is turned to the "on" position, as it tries to prime the pump, then shuts off since the engine isn't running.

The connector at the fuel pump gets ~12V while cranking, so the electrical is intact.

Pump still doesn't make any noise whatsoever.

I did note that for the past couple (hot) days, the engine didn't seem to feel "right" while idling.  It was steady, but gave the impression that it was idling tenuously.  Guess it must have been a sign.

The fact that the engine ran fine before, with no spurious symptoms like hesitation, bogging, or no start, leads me to believe it isn't electrical, but mechanical, so I'll go ahead with the pump.  And ease off the endurance tests seeing how far a tank will stretch, with an old, presumably, tired fuel pump.

dude8383

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Fuel pump kaput?
« Reply #3 on: October 15, 2010, 11:19:25 AM »
Those symptoms definitely show signs of a dead pump.

Walbro has alternatives to OEM as well as TRE peformance.


BimwadM42

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Fuel pump kaput?
« Reply #4 on: October 17, 2010, 07:38:35 PM »
To provide some closure, installed a new OEM VDO pump, and the engine fired right up and all is well again.

BMW wants $300+ for an OE pump, so that was never a consideration.

If I had more time to spare, I might have considered putting one of the other pumps into the existing assembly, but I just wanted a no-fuss solution.

I guess I can still do that with the old assembly.  Of note, its pump has soldered leads, while the pump on the new assembly has terminals.

Rich Dixon 91is

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Fuel pump kaput?
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2010, 02:46:04 PM »
Do you have a source or part number for that VDO OEM? Can I glom off your research plz?

BimwadM42

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Fuel pump kaput?
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2010, 08:30:14 PM »
What I installed was a new VDO E36 pump assembly, including the level sender.  A no hassle replacement.  Readily available from BMA, RM European, Pelican, or any other parts house.

If what you're after is just the pump, for an E30, I'm afraid I can't help you there.

dude8383

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Rich Dixon 91is

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Fuel pump kaput?
« Reply #8 on: October 19, 2010, 05:11:07 PM »
Quote from: dude8383;97676
HOLY SHIT BMA is $$$:


Thanks dude. I saw the TRE in the fuel pump DIY thread, but thought there might be one that fit naturally to the E30 bracket. I'll do the mod to my bracket and use the TRE. I ain't paying $250+ for a fuel pump. Come on.