Do Fuel Pumps Leak When They're Dry?

[RoadHazard]

I think my fuel pump fixed itself today.

After four months of sitting idle in the garage, I fired up the Crossle today. To my dismay, the fuel pump was leaking just a bit. A little troubleshooting indicated that the leak wasn't coming from the hoses. It was from somewhere around the body of the pump, probably around the crimp seal where the top and botton halves meet. (This is a standard FF1600 mechanical fuel pump that says AC RA1 Made in England.)

I took a lunch break, swore, and looked up prices on replacement fuel pumps.

Then, when I started the car again after lunch -- no leak. Voila! It's fixed itself!

So I'm thinking that the pump was dry after sitting around for four months, and that running some fuel through it fixed the leak. Does that sound reasonable, or am I just fooling myself?

[PiperFF]

Replace ...Had This a few years back ..2 races down the road FIRE!!!!
JV

[rickb99]

Seals went bad from shrinkage while dry (we all suffer that on occasion, right?) but swooled up when wet so no leak.

Lets see $100 fuel pump or $1,500 fire.. Hmmm ?

[DanW]

"So I'm thinking that the pump was dry after sitting around for four months, and that running some fuel through it fixed the leak. Does that sound reasonable, or am I just fooling myself? "

Hello Jim,

The rubber diaphragm between the two halves shrinks a bit when it dries out. The aromatics in the fuel make the rubber swell just a little, and likely sealed up. I think the pump is done.

After spending a morning helping a fellow competitor repair the fire damage to his DB6, I wouldn't take the chance. After all, your starter is directly underneath the fuel pump. I have had a personal experience with push in fittings on fuel pump that vibrated themselves out too.

Regards,
Dan Wise

[Steve Demeter]

If it leaked it will leak again or at least quit working at the most inopportune time.

[Albatross]

The 3 worst things in life are:

1) Fire in the air
2) Fire at sea
3) Fire in your race car at speed

[RoadHazard]

Let's see... Fire, fire, fire, fire, and fire.

What are you really trying to tell me?

Okay, fine. I'll replace the &%*@# pump. But the old one's gonna show up in the Classified seciton tomorrow!

[EYERACE]

eye can see the listing now:




somehow the words > road hazard / used to leak [but not now] / fuel pump < all in the same listing is ironic

.....i know you were jesting but just thought to make a little joke too

[rickb99]

But the old one's gonna show up in the Classified seciton tomorrow!

ALERT! ALERT!

Remind self. Don't buy a used fuel pump from RoadHazard off the Forum

[D.T. Benner]

To Fire Hazard!