12 replies to this topic

[Blumeanie]

Hi All,
I bought my mini in 2000. Shortly thereafter it developed a whine from the fuel pump. Sometimes it started straight away, and sometimes it started off quiet. A blip pf the throttle would be a sure way to get it whining...

I took it in for service to a local rover dealer in the Netherlands and the fuel pump was looked at, but no issues were detected. The fuel pump was replaced anyway under warranty.

A few months after, the whining from the fuel pump returned occasionally...

These days, the fuel pump whines pretty much 100% of the time starting shortly after start-up. Again, applying the throttle as the car gets going will start the whining. The pump seems to pump fuel fine, but that noise gets annoying...

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Any ideas?

Thank you in advance!

[sonscar]

Is the filter sock in the tank clear?breather system in good order.Injection pumps make hard work of sucking.Steve..

[Blumeanie]

Is the filter sock in the tank clear?breather system in good order.Injection pumps make hard work of sucking.Steve..

 

Yes - In both instances. (First pump was from brand new. The 'new' pump was quiet for only a short time.
I looked at this a while back and it is all squeaky clean...

How would I check the breather system? If breathing was an issue, I would think that when the tank is vented and then the engine run with little fuel (as is mostly the case), the pump would be happy for at least a few minutes as a vacuum built-up, no?

But the pump is very rarely quiet these days - and only at start-up before the throttle is used...

 

[slidehammer]

I would try running the car on the drive, without the fuel cap on and see if the pump has an easier time of it and makes less noise. If it does I would be suspicious of the flow or return lines. The can collapse / clog due to the ethanol in the modern fuels.

[Steve220]

Was the fuel filter changed?

[Blumeanie]

Was the fuel filter changed?

 

Hmmm... 
@Steve220   Please tell me more.

 

As I recall, there is an inline fuel filter somewhere underneath, correct? (This one would be the original... and I have not touched it.) 

All components were clean as can be in the tank when inspected. I've only had a handful of tankfuls since.

Can you please describe / point me to the fuel filter you have in mind??

(Hurries off to look at manual...)

Edited by Blumeanie, 17 November 2024 - 02:06 AM.

[Steve220]

Fuel filter is mounted on the left hand side of the rear subframe on the inside. When you get your head under there, you can't miss it.

If its getting clogged up. Your pump will be working extremely hard to push fuel through it.

[MatthewsDad]

If it hasn't been changed for quarter of a century you'll be impressed by how much gunk comes out of the filter. This may be your problem and is an easy fix.

[Blumeanie]

Fuel filter ordered and now waiting for delivery...

- Just happened to read about the 2 required O-rings for replacement in time to ring back and add these to the order. (they should come included - and I hope I am not missing anything before I crack the system open as I attempt the replacement...).

I have a long-ish trip planned (close to 200 miles round-trip) so I am making sure I'm best prepped for it as I can't count on any spares within hundreds of miles for mini parts.

I have my fingers crossed that this will solve the whining and make the fuel pump's job easier.

I also added a good dose of fuel system cleaner in the meantime. I hope it loosens any accumulated old fuel crud, etc. and be captured by the filter prior to replacement.

[Blumeanie]

I would try running the car on the drive, without the fuel cap on and see if the pump has an easier time of it and makes less noise. If it does I would be suspicious of the flow or return lines. The can collapse / clog due to the ethanol in the modern fuels.

Removing the fuel cap did not make a difference.

I do see a pressure differential when removing the cap.

I always assumed it was due to the closed system...

[slidehammer]

 

I would try running the car on the drive, without the fuel cap on and see if the pump has an easier time of it and makes less noise. If it does I would be suspicious of the flow or return lines. The can collapse / clog due to the ethanol in the modern fuels.

Removing the fuel cap did not make a difference.

I do see a pressure differential when removing the cap.

I always assumed it was due to the closed system...

 

Yes you should get a bit of pressure build up with a fuel injected system, but not too much.

[Blumeanie]

I am still eagerly awaiting the delivery of the fuel filter. I've had my fingers crossed for like a week now...

[Blumeanie]

I expect delivery of the filter this week...

Any tips on the replacement procedure?
Is it anything more than undoing the fijter attachment points and the fittings on either side of the filter?


I figure I can plug the fuel line to keep fuel from spilling? (Not draining the fuel tank)

Thanks!

Edited by Blumeanie, 03 December 2024 - 12:37 PM.