Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Richard H]

You know how old cars usually get jealous when there's a new arrival? I hadn't used my A35 for a week or so, anyway it won't start. I checked the spark first and that seemed ok, so I spun the engine over on the starter and nothing came out of the fuel pipe, priming makes no difference either. There IS petrol in the tank (I unscrewed the tank end union to make sure), so it must be the fuel pump (AC mechanical type). I have stripped it down and there was quite a lot of dirt in there, so I cleaned it all out and put it back together again. The diaphram appeared ok, so I tried sticking it in a can of petrol and priming using the priming lever - nothing, although it is making a sucking noise and there is definitely something happening at the outlet when I prime it.

Any ideas before I buy a recon pump?

[peter scott]

Sticking pump valves or drawing air from a leaky union on the tank to pump pipe?

Peter
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http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Richard H]

Hi Peter,

How do I check to see if the valves in the pump are sticking? I've never had to repair a fuel pump before, and the workshop manual is no use!

Thanks, Richard.

[peter scott]

Hi Richard,

If you separate the top from the bottom (which I guess you've done already to see the diaphram) the valves are located in the top part just above the diaphram. There are various ways of retaining them but it should be fairly obvious once you see them. Just make sure they aren't being held open by dirt and that they are free to open and close.

Do check for air leaks especially on the input side of the pump too.

Good luck,

Peter
_________________
http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Richard H]

Thanks Peter, it was a sticking valve. I poked them with a long screwdriver then reassembled the pump, gave it a good prime through a petrol can by putting my thumb over the outlet to build up the pressure then it started working again. Just took it for a run and all is back to normal again, just in time for Drive it Day!

Looks like a new pump now I've degreased 53 years of gunk off it as well

[Roger-hatchy]

[Richard H]

Nothing planned at all, think I'll pop over to the boot sale at Leigh station in the morning, nice drive the length of the seafront there and back, and there's quite often other old cars in the car park. Might go to Hadleigh Castle or possibly Wat Tyler park a bit later. Then drive it to work for a night shift in the evening