12 replies to this topic

[richcrosse]

Hi all,

 

I recently took my mini off the road to upgrade it's cooling system. It's a 1991 mini running a 1380 engine with twin SU carbs and it was getting a little hot in traffic, so I've just replaced the water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, fan and fan belt. It already had a fletcher alloy radiator installed.

 

Now all of this went fine and I excitedly started it up this evening to fill and bleed the coolant, only to find fuel absolutely gushing out of the engine bay.

 

Picture attached - it appears the fuel pump is the culprit, it has pools of fuel sat on it and its now continuously dripping fuel, even with the car switched off.

 

The car never smelt especially "petrolly" when running and was not using excessive fuel before I did the work, so is this a case of just replacing the fuel pump, or should I be looking at anything else which could have caused this very sudden and catastrophic failure?

 

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks.

 

 

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[nicklouse]

i would change the pump and the flexy hoses. would not be surprised if the braided one has failed.

[KTS]

check the fuel isn't leaking from the either of hoses - it's possible you've disturbed one or both of them whilst doing the other work

[richcrosse]

Thanks both.

 

I did feel around the hoses and they didn't feel wet, but it does seem odd that the top of the fuel pump would be saturated so i'll disconnect them tomorrow and hove a proper look.

 

If I do need to replace the pump, any ideas which version I currently have fitted?

[nicklouse]

the only difference is the outlet size. have a look at the ones available and compare.

 

i would give the braided hose a good looking at and the other a bend to check it does not fail.

some of mine after removing the braiding

 

[richcrosse]

Wow.. were they fitted for long?

 

Either way I'll replace the hoses, whether because they need it, or just because it just makes sense to do preventatively if I'm changing the pump.

 

Just a pain that I'll have to wait for more parts and do more work now before I can take it for a spin, I was really looking forward to a drive this weekend. The joys of a classic I guess!

[GraemeC]

Should be able to pick up a pump and quality fuel hose from your local motor factors.

[harrythehat]

if the diaphragm is leaking on the pump, it can be replaced rather than a complete pump

[Boycie]

Pumps don't often leak externally... but yours looks a bit suspicious to me as the diaphragm is visible around the edge and looks a bit moth-eaten. I reckon someone's been there before you!
I'd order a new pump and some fresh hoses, do everything while you're there :)

[cal844]

Order a new pump, also you'll need 2 gaskets(for either side of the insulator/spacer block) and some RTV sealer for either side of the gaskets.

[Rorf]

Be careful of a worn diaphragm, petrol can leak into the engine and dilute the oil with consequences

[DeanP]

Just a thought. Does anyone know if the replacement fuel hoses are okay for use with ethanol? All this talk lately of ethanol giving us issues in a few years might be worth looking into when renewing your hoses.

[cal844]

Just a thought. Does anyone know if the replacement fuel hoses are okay for use with ethanol? All this talk lately of ethanol giving us issues in a few years might be worth looking into when renewing your hoses.

I use compressor air line for some parts of my fuel system (I should replace it but if it ain't broke why fix?) It works fine with the current fuels so ethanol shouldn't be a problem

If it is we shall change to proper fuel hose

Edited by cal844, 07 October 2018 - 10:57 AM.