Fuel pumps questions

[mdrburchette]

I believe I've lucked out and have two Fiats with fuel pump problems. Hoorah
for me!

The first one is my 82 X19. I've noticed lately that it hadn't been starting
as soon as I turn the key and it finally decided not to start at all. I found
fuel puddling on top of the fuel pump and replaced the tranny cooler hose the
PO has used with a fuel injection hose. I also reinstalled the green/black
wire that had come loose from the fuel pump. When I turn the key on, it runs
continuously and I still get a puddle of fuel on top the fuel pump. I'll
recheck the hose and clamps, but is there anything about the pump that could
cause fuel to accumulate on top of it? How long is the pump supposed to run
when the key is turned on but the engine is not started?

My second one is my 71 Spider. I had noticed before parking it a couple months
ago that it was hiccupping and not running perfectly smooth like I know dual
IDFs should...anyway, I got in it today to start it and after the customary
engage starter for 5 seconds, pump acc pedal 10 times, repeat at least 7 times
or more if necessary....my car would not start. I looked at the clear fuel
filter and can't see any gas in it. Are my assumptions correct that my
mechanical fuel pump is toast? Is there a way to check it without pulling it
out of the car? Tell me again why I love my Fiats?....okay, I drove my 72 for
3 hours today on beautiful twisties so you need not answer that.

[sptcoupe]

Denise - You need to see if you have fuel in the filter when the motor is turning over. And, after you have pumped the gas all those times, is there any fuel still coming through the pump jets when you pump it? You'll need a second set of eyes or someone in the car while you observe. Or, disconnect the fuel line into the lead carb and see if any thing is getting to the carb. You can also pop the top off a carb and see what is left in the bowl.

And you know how I feel about mechanical pumps on a Dual IDF car! Especially one that has been made to breath deeply. It wasn't very good on the factory set up an it hasn't gotten better with time. Get that electric pump on there and regulate it down to 2.5 -3.0 lbs.

[mdrburchette]

I'll see if Amber can help me with that, Jeff. BTW, did you get those pics I sent you? I may have sent them to the wrong address. Hope not!

Aren't you going to try to help me with the electric fuel pump question I have on the X? An update on the X. I have a stream of fuel shooting out of the top side of the pump. I find it hard to believe it's coming from the new hose I've installed and reinstalled.

[sptcoupe]

So is the stream coming form the hose, or the pump? Is there a crack at the base of the pump outlet? My pump(s) runs as log as the ignition is on. This is on the coupe and the 81 stock FI on the spider.

Never did get the pics!

[mdrburchette]

Must be coming from the pump. It's kinda hard to see. I've ordered a new one.
I mailed the pics to your Colleyville address. Give me a call if you can. The phone # I have for you is inoperable.

[So Cal Mark]

the electric pumps use an o-ring to seal the pump body to the motor. When the gas was re-formulated a few years ago it was discovered that the o-rings were not compatible with the fuel, and they all started leaking. The pump body is crimped over the motor, and I've never had any luck trying to seal them up

[mdrburchette]

Thanks Mark. That would explain the way mine seems to be leaking.