S3 Fuel Pump Problems

[85S3NA]

Went to start the Esprit yesterday as I hadn't started it for a few weeks, however when I turned the ignition on, I didn't hear the normal 'clicking' sound of the fuel pump - and turning the car over didn't produce any signs of firing up at all (in fact the only impact was to generate a decent oil pressure reading on the dashboard dial).

There was no smell of unburnt fuel, so I'm assuming that my fuel pump has packed in - I checked and cleaned the connectors to the pump, but still no clicking sounds, and she still won't start.

Has anybody has a similar experience ? Given the car's now stuck in the garage, is replacing the fuel pump and easy DIY job to do yourself (2 of the 3 retaining nuts looked difficult to access) ????

Any advice on how to fix this ?? Also, where are the fuel pump fuses, I couldn't find them yesterday - thanks in advance for any perpsectives anyone can add here

Jonathan 85S3NA

[splashout1]

www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EMaintenance/fuelpump.html

[hilly]

Replacing the pump is fairly straight forward. The pump is fitted to a steel 'L' shaped bracket which is bolted to the bulkhead. You access the 3 bolts from behind the passengers seat.

I changed my old pump as it was leaking and I have fitted EFI and wanted to make sure the pump was up to scratch. I now have a Facet Solid State pump as it was a fair bit smaller and had a better flow rate than the old SU.

If you do go for a differnt pump make sure it's stall pressure is the same as the SU or the fuel height in the carbs will be wrong and mess up your mixtures.

Andy
1981 S3

[wedg1e]

Have someone turn the ignition on while you lie under the sill and clout the pump lightly with a small hammer. That should unstick it... well, it worked on mine, and it hadn't run for 18 months.

[scoule]

My Excel does this if left for a couple of months, as the previous poster said, whack it with the wooden handle of the hammer at the end away from the pipes. It may take a while but mine has always burst back into life and worked perfectly afterwards.

In the Excel it's in the boot :-)

[85S3NA]

Thanks for the advice, after checking the LEW notes (pictures look like a Turbo Esprit fuel pump), I checked the fuses (all OK), so as a last resort before thinking about replacing the pump this weekend I tapped it gently with a screw driver handle whilst the ignition was on - the fuel pump burst into life, clicking away - and the car started perfectly - absolutely brilliant !

Last piece of advice then - would you still replace the pump anyway, or would you stick with it but just make sure it's not left as long between being started/used ????

Jonathan 85S3NA

[scoule]

Stick with it ... I had this happen when the (second) pump was only 6 months old - it's not an age thing, just a use thing.

My car had the problem in november 04 after being stored for 6 months - a quick tap and it's alive and it's been used every other day since then and has been fine.

Steve

[85S3NA]

Steve - thanks very much, will stick with it then - happy motoring ! - Jonathan 85S3NA

[Dr.Hess]

I have a drawer in my toolbox labeled "Harley Wrenches" that I keep my collection of hammers in.

Ya know, so much of wrenching is just knowing where to hit it and how hard to hit it.

Dr.Hess

[Esprit2]

The pump has breaker points that tend to arc/ burn and lose continuity. It's fairly easy to open the end and dress the points with a thin points file or some fine wet-or-dry sandpaper. In my Europa days I carried a points cleaning kit with me and got pretty good at doing it roadside.

If you do replace the pump sometime, and if you elect to stay with the same type, there is a later version that replaces the points with electronic switching. Not from Lotus... you would have to inquire with independent Britcar parts sources.

That would make installation a bolt-in swap, and provide improved reliability.

Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North