Fuel pump problems...anyone else?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
Fuel pump problems...anyone else?
I have had the electric fuel pump in my '82 replaced three times this year already. It works for about a week or two, then clogs up and stops working. The screen comes out looking like it was caked in salt or sugar water and left to dry, the fuel filter has salty looking particles coming out of it when replaced with the fuel pumps. I understand that since sugar and salt don't dissolve in gasoline, they couldn't cause a problem for an engine unless enough were put in the tank to clog the pump. I use a locking gas cap and fuel several other cars from the same station/pumps with no problems. Do these tanks deteriorate inside?
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated as this is becoming very frustrating and costly to keep fixing the same problem over and over.
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated as this is becoming very frustrating and costly to keep fixing the same problem over and over.
Last edited by rodspeed55; Jul 23, 2013 at 08:53 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 67
From: Warrington PA
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
I have had the electric fuel pump in my '82 replaced three times this year already. It works for about a week or two, then clogs up and stops working. The screen comes out looking like it was caked in salt or sugar water and left to dry, the fuel filter has salty looking particles coming out of it when replaced with the fuel pumps. I understand that since sugar and salt don't dissolve in gasoline, they couldn't cause a problem for an engine unless enough were put in the tank to clog the pump. I use a locking gas cap and fuel several other cars from the same station/pumps with no problems. Do these tanks deteriorate inside?
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated as this is becoming very frustrating and costly to keep fixing the same problem over and over.
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated as this is becoming very frustrating and costly to keep fixing the same problem over and over.
My co-worker got his 82 last year also, and he also cleaned out his tank, and replaced the fuel filter about 4 times, before he was satisfied.
So I would recommend draining the tank, and cleaning it out as best that you can. My co-worker did not remove the tank when he did his, but it did take him awhile to get it cleaned out completely.
PS your pump is sucking up all of the "junk" that is in there, that is why your pumps are failing. Also remember to use "fuel rated" hose with the pump, as regular hose will fail after sitting in the fuel for a short time.
And be sure to check out the "sticky" for our 82's in the above section.............Tom
Last edited by 74 LS4-454; Jul 24, 2013 at 02:06 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; My original 1982 tank was lined with a bladder from the factory. If it stills has this take the tank down & clean it out with a good garden hose, & let dry completely. If it has that much stuff, & you can't get the bladder cleaned, yes buy a good used cleaned tank or a new one, be done with the problem. Good Luck Gene
