Quote from Colin on 2nd January 2011, 3:16 pm

HNY to you both

The problem is most likely with the earth wire which attaches to the casing of the pump. My suggestion (as I had to do) is run a earth direct from the battery to the pump-don't forget to tap the pump. if this still doesn't work then as a temporarily run a live direct from the battery but i wouldn't recommend driving anywhere until you have managed to rig up a switchable circuit.

Hope this helps but if you are still stuck give me a bell.

Quote from HELS666 on 2nd January 2011, 4:00 pm

Hi,

We've tried a wire from the battery to the pump, but nothing happened, not sure if its the pump now.. Its got to dark and cold to try anymore today (the problem of not having a garage!!!).. We'll try again tomorrow.

Thanks.

Quote from Colin on 2nd January 2011, 4:13 pm

Sounds like the pump's points are playing up. If a good tap doesn't do the trick then I would recommend unscrewing the terminal then removing plastic cap from the pump (inside the boot) then re-attach the terminal/power supply then fiddle with the points to see if you can breathe life back into it again.

Quote from Bob Hubbard on 3rd January 2011, 9:11 am

I agree with Colin take the plastic cap off & flick the points open a few times to see if they spark and get the pump to chatter into life. The points may need a clean as well.

Quote from HELS666 on 3rd January 2011, 1:06 pm

Yes, It is definately the points, thanks guys. They look like they have melted a little from arcing. Can you take the points out with the pump in situ or do you have to take the pump apart to get to them properly.

Thanks.

Quote from Colin on 3rd January 2011, 4:59 pm

Yes you can. Just slacken the central screw slightly and you can slide the top section of the points of and with a bit of fiddling about with nail file you can clean/make both points surfaces flat enough, always add a small coating of vasaline as this will help make them last a bit longer. Then refit the top section tighten up the screw and with a small amount of tweaking hopefully it will come back to life again.

Quote from HELS666 on 9th January 2011, 3:28 pm

I've fitted new points to the fuel pump, but are they supposed to arc a little still?

Just need to know for sure before I fit the pump back into the car.

Quote from Colin on 9th January 2011, 4:29 pm

You should only get a very small amount of arcing if it is a particularly big spark then ca[acitor/resistor might not be doing its job properly.

Quote from HELS666 on 9th January 2011, 4:44 pm

Thanks for that, just wanted to be sure.. Plus it looks like it could well be the original fuel pump.