Re:Why the second fuel pump?

[Dick Stachowiak <stachowiak@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The second pump came into play as a pre-pump to get fuel to the main 
pump.  It was originally added to solve a vapor lock problem.  The main 
pump doesn't draw fuel very well.    When the newer Bosch cars came 
out, the tanks no longer exit out the bottom like the older Spica cars. 
 The forward tube should be the return to the tank.  If you look into 
the fuel sender opening, you should see it continues to the bottom of 
the tank.  This keeps the return fuel from spraying around the inside 
of the tank making more fuel odors inside the car.  As for the sender, 
if you look at it you will see a couple of tabs that are bent over to 
hold it together. Open up the tabs and take it apart.  Get some 400 
wet/dry sandpaper and clean up all the brass parts.  Pay special 
attention to the swivel area, as this has to pass continuity for the 
wiper contact.  You can also pull the resistive element out of the 
housing and clean it and the brass strip that goes to the sender 
terminal.  I have repaired several, and they work perfectly.  Something 
in the fuel eventually builds up a non-conductive film on them,

Dick Stachowiak
Syracuse, NY

71 Spider
71 GTV


Original Message:


> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2003 11:51:32 -0700
> From: alfacybersite <acs@domain.elided>
> Subject: Why the 2nd fuel pump?
>
> Somehow Alfas with Spicas lived quite well with one external pump. I
> briefly hooked up the in-tank one from a '79 Spider and it quietly
> purred. Assume that means it works. Also assume the extra pump is part
> of the extra bunch of hoses and such going to the tank .
>
> Speaking of which: On the far left of the tank there is the 'panel'
> which contains four 'inlets' - I know what attaches to the two L shaped
> ones in the rear and of course the large hole is the filler tube. What
> is the forward tube for and where does the hose that obviously goes to
> it end up? It came blocked off.
>
> One more: I also tested the fuel gauge sender portion. Believe I've
> distinguished between the connection for the warning light and the one
> to the gauge. When moving the float up and down the ohm meter is either
> all on or all off then all on again. Or sometimes fluctuates several
> times as it moves from empty to full.
>
> I'm assuming bending is involved or is this fruitless and I need to get
> a new one one?
>
> Biba
> Irwindale, CA USA
>
> ------------------------------
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