9 replies to this topic

[ImagoX]

The fuel pump on my '92 single carb Mini Sprite is beginning to leak. I think I'll just replace the entire pump (they go for about $90 here in the US - drat), but with the exhaust manifold so close I don't want to mess with it.

It's rather tight in there (of course) - is there perhaps a How-to? Looks like disconnecting the water heater valve/hoses where they connect to the cabin heater valve might give me some additional room - any other tips? Once I get in there and disconnect the pump (2 bolts? more?) what can I expect? How's the linkage? Do I need any special tools?

Thanks in advance!!

-Matt C.
USA

[Grayedout]

No special tools. Pipes off the pump.......undo the two nuts and pull the pump away from the engine and off the studs.

Re-fitting is the reverse just make sure the spacer is there and all the gasket faces are clean.

Whats leaking by the way? Is it fuel because this could just be the clips on the pipes. If you think the diaphram has gone then make sure you also change your oil as it will be full of fuel !

[ImagoX]

No special tools. Pipes off the pump.......undo the two nuts and pull the pump away from the engine and off the studs.

Re-fitting is the reverse just make sure the spacer is there and all the gasket faces are clean.

Whats leaking by the way? Is it fuel because this could just be the clips on the pipes. If you think the diaphram has gone then make sure you also change your oil as it will be full of fuel !

It's leaking fuel yes... Where's the linkage to the engine? Does it attach to the cam or what? I don't see a belt so... Is it an electric pump on the 1992? I was out at night last night looking for the leak and saw fresh gas on the pump - it's a seepage-type leak and the pump's covered with a gritty oil/gas slush. The clips appear tight and the hoses are still supple as the car's only a '92. Can I hose the pump off and scrub it with a toothbrush to see where the leak's coming from?

Also, do I need to remove anything to get a tool down on the fastener hardware? Like everything in the Mini, it's tight in there, and I know that there's usually a "trick" to getting parts on and off.

Thanks!

[Ethel]

It is most likely the hoses if the leak is external and definitely fuel. You can take the pump off a mini with a cast, factory, exhaust manifold without a major strip down - it's a very loose fit once the bolts are out. It's just a lever that rides on a cam lobe like a valve rocker. Find a catalogue piccy on a mini spares site and you'll get the idea.

[ImagoX]

It is most likely the hoses if the leak is external and definitely fuel. You can take the pump off a mini with a cast, factory, exhaust manifold without a major strip down - it's a very loose fit once the bolts are out. It's just a lever that rides on a cam lobe like a valve rocker. Find a catalogue piccy on a mini spares site and you'll get the idea.

OK yeah, I've seen that in pics but did not know what it was... So the metal "tongue" sticks into the block and rides on the cam? I assume there's a lobe on the cam that pushes the leaver up and down as it spins, thereby pumping the diaphragm up and down?

Once I have the pump off (I'll check the hoses while I have it off for fraying or cracking - anything else I should be looking for??), how can I tell if the diaphragm is OK? Should I disassemble the pump and look for cracking or other visible wear? Also, when I disconnect the lines, any special tips for how I keep fluids from running out all over the garage floor? I've never had a fuel pump off before - please excuse the numb-skull questions.

EDIT - someone in my club advised that since the "sludge" on the outside of the pump is getting wet that it might be the screws around the perimeter of the "flying saucer"-shaped pump. Do they get loose? As my pump is covered with a thick layer of oil and gas, I can't even SEE half the screws. Is it safe to spray the pump with a strong solution of a degreaser like Simple Green then blast it with a hose to clean off the deposits?

Edited by ImagoX, 07 October 2008 - 02:24 PM.

[miniboo]

yes the pump rides on a lobe on the cam.

it sounds more like the hoses are weeping rather than the pump leaking.

The grit an dsludge is probably from where the pump is wet and dirt has stuck to it.

For teh price of a new fuel pump i would just put a new one on. HOWEVER i dont think it is the pump leaking and it is actually the pipes connecting to it.

Yes it is safe to clean it with a degreaser

[Ethel]

No idea what Simple Green is, but if it's intended for cleaning engines I'd think it'd be ok. I don't think there are any service parts available for the pump, considering the constant hammering it gets off the cam loose screws are quite possible. It sounds like yours is one with outlets that can be turned for different applications so there's a possibility of a leak there.

It won't leak much as long as hose is higher than the fuel in the tank.

[ImagoX]

No idea what Simple Green is, but if it's intended for cleaning engines I'd think it'd be ok. I don't think there are any service parts available for the pump, considering the constant hammering it gets off the cam loose screws are quite possible. It sounds like yours is one with outlets that can be turned for different applications so there's a possibility of a leak there.

Simple Green is a degreaser, but it sounds like brake cleaner might be better for cutting the grime - I'll start with the hoses and the screws and see if I can stop the weeping. Thanks!!

[miniboo]

can you get a pic of the pump?

[ImagoX]

can you get a pic of the pump?

Looks just like this one (just not as clean):