used fuel pump test / start up

[Jeff Burger]

Hoping someone here has some real experience" firing "up a fuel pump that has been stored for several years.
I have 3 used 3.2 (blue) stored fuel pumps all working when removed. I want to use one of them in my latest
project.

I would like to find out if there are some good techniques /best practices for testing them before I install.

test dry or feed it fuel first?

If they are not spinning when power is applied let them soak in fuel?

[Techno Duck]

You can put a fuel source higher than the pump, then run the pump discharge right back into the same container. Bump test the pump by putting power on the leads. I would do this with a switch vice touching leads to a battery so you avoid sparks. Have a 10-15 amp fuse on it also. Do it outside with a fire extinguisher. If the pump kicks on and moves fuel, id go ahead and install it.

If the pump doesnt spin at first, you can try to fill the entire pump with carb cleaner. I wouldnt soak it, they are not submersible pumps.

[boyt911sc]

Jeff,

If you just want to know if a certain FP is good or bad, all you need is to energize the FP for a very brief moment. Use a 12-volt supply preferably with a set of wires with an in-line fuse and toggle switch. No need to use fuel if you want to run it less than a second. The bad ones will not spin and the good ones will turn. I save the bad ones because I found out sometimes they suddenly spin when energized. I have a couple of FP’s destined for the dumpster suddenly became usable again. Don’t know why but I was able to use them on my bench tester for several months before stopping again. But not recommended for usage in a car to avoid being stranded.



Tony

[Plays with cars]

Water, not fuel. The electric motor will run fine and there is no fire danger. But, DO NOT store them w/o flushing the water out of them. Diesel fuel is also a good alternative that isn't as flammable as fuel and its not damaging if you don't flush them. You should also check the flow and pressure are in spec and that they don't have any leaks from dried out o-rings.

[Jeff Burger]

great input thanks guys !

[reclino]

I had a like new one (maybe been used 1000 miles in my 931) I had stored for about 5 years and it was locked up, would not turn when I first tried it. I only left 12 volt battery power on it for a few seconds. Took out the anti-return valve and squirted some carb cleaner in both ends. Shook it around to get the carb cleaner to drain out and tried it again. It came right in that time. Must have been a bit of varnish on the pump rollers that had seized it up.
David

[TibetanT]

I have several spare fuel pumps for my 911SC stored. I pump some oil into them before storing and then close off the pump with plugs.
This method has never failed me. I have pumps that are as old as my 911 that still work perfectly.

If you need one, let me know. Hope this helps