How to Not Die

[ccurzio]

A professional's inside tip:

If you have a car, let's say a DeLorean for example, and you have a really problematic fuel pump thanks to some nasty corrosion and some really iffy electrical connections, before attempting to start the car it's even more important to be sure that the area which houses those electrical connections has not completely filled with gasoline.

Thankfully nothing happened (and the car didn't start), but boy howdy that could have been bad. I immediately pulled the fuel pump out of the car entirely and covered the tank hole with some aluminum foil secured with a clamp until I can get the new pump in there.

And yes, the battery was disconnected after each starting attempt.

[Citizen]

Would you elaborate? I am truly interested, because I have the new pump in my car, but have not attempted to start it yet (still awaiting fuel filter replacement and my tank is still completely dry).

But when I do you to start it, say this coming week or so, I'll have to add gas. I'll be adding gas through the normal filler, so I'm wondering how gas was able to get on to your electrical connections.

Thanks,
Thomas

...

[ccurzio]

Would you elaborate? I am truly interested, because I have the new pump in my car

Then this shouldn't really interest you because it didn't happen with the new pump.

The pump that was in there has an upper cup-like section made of rubber that houses the electrical connections and the clamps for the fuel lines. Apparently one of the lines had started leaking and it filled the cup with gas.

[Citizen]

Then this shouldn't really interest you because it didn't happen with the new pump.

The pump that was in there has an upper cup-like section made of rubber that houses the electrical connections and the clamps for the fuel lines. Apparently one of the lines had started leaking and it filled the cup with gas.

Ah!

Okay, got it now.... (never mind)

...

[David T]

This can also happen because the rubber boots deteriorate and the fuel pump corrodes so gas leaks in. I also see water in there because the cover boot shrinks and/or cracks. Water is what will corrode the electrical connections, gas won't. You are correct, it can be a very dangerous situation and needs to be fixed ASAP. Typically when the boots are rotten the fuel pump is old and corroded, both boots are shot, the short wiring harness is a mess, the pick-up hose is soft and swollen, and the tank has dirt and water in it. The venders have a kit of parts they just recommend you buy and replace everything. Just try to save the 2 parts of the original baffle and the metal supports if it is all still there. Usually it can be cleaned up with Acetone. The tank should be drained and wiped out with Acetone too. If you get the new fuel pump/pick-up assembly you won't need any of the old parts at all.
David Teitelbaum