Fuel Pump Jammed - Dirt? Poor current?

[Rasta Monsta]

So, my 951 sourced pump has jammed up again. The first time was right after I replaced the tank, so I blamed it on a bit of dirt stopping the roller. When I pulled the pump and jumped it from the battery, after a few taps of juice, it started again and has been fine for months. Now it seems to be jammed again.

So here are my questions:

1. Cause of jam - bit of dirt, or failing pump?
2. Why does the direct battery jump revive the pump - inadequate amperage at the plug due to bad splice job? (951 fitting spliced onto "early" power harness)

TIA


rasta

[thewerxracing]

This has happened to me too. Something along the lines of hydrolock?

[Rasta Monsta]

Additional info. . .just tried to jump the pump again from the battery. No happy whirring like last time, now just a pathetic "clunk" when power is applied, in either direction.

[schwank]

So you killed it! This was the one from my 86?

[Rasta Monsta]

Now that you mention it. . .

:P

[jasonmx5]

This just happened to me as well! I just changed the fuel filter and now, clunk and nuthin. If I keep trying I can get the car to start, but it takes a few tries. What's up with that? How'd I kill the fuel pump when changing the filter?

[Rasta Monsta]

Did you get the filter flow direction correct? Clean your intake screen?

[jasonmx5]

I think so and yup. If I'm under the car with my legs sticking out from under the rear bumper (head toward the front end - and not somewhere else unmentionable) and looking up at the filter, fuel flows from left to right, correct?

[Grandad#3]

There should be an arrow on the filter and it points toward the engine.

Cheers,
Larry

[jasonmx5]

The arrow does indeed point toward the direction of the engine as prescribed. Should I try swapping relays? I think I have a few floating around somewhere.

[RC924]

Sounds like the pump is seized by a bit of crap. Common on these Bosch pumps with steel rollers. Have you tried blowing compressed air through the pump? From both directions? And while applying power? Hopefully if it dislodges the air will blow it right out.

Also could try hooking 2 batteries in series to give 24V and giving the pump a hit. Shouldn't hurt for a brief period and will quadruple the power (torque) of the pump. Again with a good 100PSI of air behind it.