Initial Impressions of RWebb's Fuel Pump Failure...
 

Randy,
I looked at your fuel pump that you sent. Below are some pics.

One is a photograph of a rotor wire that is normally attached to the commutator. The other is the end of the wire that was found loose on the rotor.

It appears that it was over-heated when it was originally soldered and created an inherent weakness in the wire. With gasoline flowing around these wires, vibration from the flow probably caused metal fatigue in the wire which may have resulted in failure. Beyond that I have no clue...


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1364571965.jpg


Check out this - looks like serious heating - note the increase in oxidation product. Cu is a great catylyst for such - a really good anion transfer participant ;)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1364571981.jpg

Check out the rounded end - if it was cut and not over heated the ends would have two planes from the snip. When it got real hot it rounded the ends (in theory) which would not have happen during the soldering process (I don't think)

huh - very interesting - thanks for doing this Mike!

original thread:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/737082-inside-failed-fuel-pump.html

the pump is from a 1986 Vanagon and I have no idea if it is the original one or not - if original, it would have ~~ 195,000 miles on it

bad soldering would suggest it was made in Mexico or China, or... but who knows?

I look forward to seeing your sem photos(!)

ya...thats prolly not gonna happen. The cue is long and the cost high due to the fact I pissed off the lab dude...

I really have to work on that :(

WELL, if the SEM photos are out, anything with nice boobs would be a good substitute. Seen the roofing girl lately?

JR