SOLVED!!! I can now get fuel to the engine. Won't run long - 1987 740

Jamie · 2007-04-07T00:07:07+00:00

OK - problem solved!I'm still trying to figure out how, though. Too many variables toisolate.Recap of last 24 hours-Yesterday:Put old fuel pump back on. Car started, ran rough, died. Car would tryto start, but was fuel anemic. Returned AutoZone pump for $115 refund.Last night I removed the in-tank sending unit (for about the 5thtime). I attempted to swap pumps with my old in-tank pump, but brokethe terminal bolts. So, I put the pump that came with the sending unitback on. I checked all the wires, checked the accordion tube forleaks, checked the wiring. Went to bed.This morning I dunked the sending unit in a bucket of water, usedjumper cables and powered up the pump underwater. Water poured out ofthe pump nicely. I hung pump to dry all day.This afternoon, I came home, made sure the in-tank unit I wet was dry,then I dunked it in a bucket of gasoline to displace any water. Ireplaced the in-tank unit on the car, but did NOT wire it up.Tried to start car - again it tried to start but would not.Called wife to turn key while I put ohm meter on in-tank wires. Sheturns the key while I have the leads connected to power and groundwires in the trunk -- Car fires up nicely!I'm thinking WTF? No in-tank pump wired, and it's running well!Stop the car, wire up the in-tank unit, start the car - both pumpsrunning nicely. Drove around the block with no problems.SUMMARY -- NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED, BUT IT WORKS!Thank you all and I welcome any comment on this matter.JamieIn sum: we have original main pump, new main filter, new sock filter,replacement in-tank sending unit from a 1988 (that's not supposed tofit a 1987 - but it's only wiring).I KNOW! -- Instead of using Vaseline to lube the in-tank unit throughthe o-ring, I used BOUDREAUX's BUTT PASTE!Honest to God I did!!!!!Jamie

Apr 07, 2007 21 Replies

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Jamie 19 years ago

Thanks Joe, I might check that out - even if for my 240.

OK - Boneyard fuel pump is installed with new crush washers, the car starts and runs VERY well again. Now, I lost my gauge - but that's probably part of my wiring in the trunk. Otherwise, I'll be concerned.

But, the car runs well, no gas leaks - I'm happy for another day. $35 on the pump.

Jamie

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James Sweet 19 years ago

The commutators in the motor wear down with time, eventually the connection gets poor enough on some plates that the motor can stick there and quit running. When my pump failed the motor still ran but it wasn't pumping. I tore it apart and found the nubs on the armature that drive the impeller had broken off but the commutator had a deep groove worn in it by the brushes, it was just about to fail that way.

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