Fuel pump problem

[Robert K. Marcho]

1967 230SL...

Old fuel pump leaking, ordered replacement from Autohouz AZ...

After much frustration -- bracket did not fit, modified old bracket, fuel lines did not match access holes in protective cannister -- I got the new pump installed...

Put in 5 gallons of gas to replace gas that had drained, spilled, etc. Car immediately started and ran perfect for 2 blocks, sputtered and then died. Would barely start, barely run, towed it home...

Acts just like fuel starvation.

Could it be the wrong pump (they sent one for a 230S not a 230SL assuring me it would work)? Is there some kind of proceedure for bleeding air out of the fuel injection system?

Any other suggestions? All help and advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

[Robert K. Marcho]

A little more info...

Yes, the fuel pump is humming quietly and I can feel it vibrate when the key is on so it is getting electricity.

Thanks again,

Bob

[glcg123]

Is the fuel tank clean? I had a similar issue with my 230SL. The tank was full of dirt and sediment. I sent it out to be cleaned and re-lined. The car has worked wonderfully ever since. There are lots of topics on the fuel tank issue in this website.

George

1965 230SL - 4 speed

[Robert K. Marcho]

Hmmm, I 'm not sure why the fuel tank would clog just now, all I did was replace the fuelpump. But I guess I can check the fuel filter.

quote:Originally posted by glcg123

Is the fuel tank clean? I had a similar issue with my 230SL. The tank was full of dirt and sediment. I sent it out to be cleaned and re-lined. The car has worked wonderfully ever since. There are lots of topics on the fuel tank issue in this website.

George

1965 230SL - 4 speed

[ja17]

Hello,

 These pumps must be "gravity feed".  In other words if the fuel pump intake is hung above the lowest part of the gas tank, fuel will not run donwhill to the pump. The newer style fuel pump is not as long. so the chances are that the newer style pump is hung too high.  

The brackets for the later pumps are longer to allow the shorter pump to hang down.

The quick temprorary fix is to add more fuel! Lower the pump when you get a chance.



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Robert K. Marcho]

Thanks,Joe, that makes sense. I modified the old bracket which probably hangs it higher than it should be. I will jack it up tomorrow and see where everything is located.

I will also add another 5 gallons of gas (the low fuel light was on and I added only 5 gallons which may not have been enough) and I will check out the fuel filter.

Bob

quote:Originally posted by ja17

Hello,

 These pumps must be "gravity feed".  In other words if the fuel pump intake is hung above the lowest part of the gas tank, fuel will not run donwhill to the pump. The newer style fuel pump is not as long. so the chances are that the newer style pump is hung too high.  

The brackets for the later pumps are longer to allow the shorter pump to hang down.

The quick temprorary fix is to add more fuel! Lower the pump when you get a chance.



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[rwmastel]

Bob,

Also, so a search on this site (link in top right corner) for "rebuild fuel pump".  If you're handy, there are members here who can lead you through a rebuild of the old pump, then you don't have to mess with all these various mounting problems.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[rwmastel]

Resolution here:
http://index.php?topic=7135

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420