Bench test fuel pump?

Afternoon all,

Quick Q, can you bench test a tin top fuel pump? It's not been run for about 10 years, and I know the fuel provides some lubrication so I'm not sure if it's a good idea. Alternatively I could connect a funnel to the inlet to provide some fuel and a pipe to the outlet (all this outside obviously).
If the above isn't doable, should I try and fill it with fuel to soak before a dry test?
Any thoughts?

Cheers

J

You could probably rig something up but you'd want to be checking it can deliver the required flowrate at a certain pressure.

Thanks Paul,
in the first instance I just want to see if it runs before I hook it up.

Just hook it up to a battery and see /hear if it runs, point the oulet away from anything incase petrol sprays out.
You should be ok to run it for a short time.

My pump was fine when I checked mine a few years ago.

Ok, if you do it outside as there may be residual fuel in the pump so no smoking and use caution, as in connect the electrical to the pump fist so any sparks may not be in close proximity to the pump. Fire Extinguisher handi

Fuel pumps rely on the fuel for 2 things.
1. To cool the pump and keep it happy.
2. To lubricate the Pump.

So knowing the above,  I have "Bench Tested" fuel pumps.

Depending on which type of pump you have.
1. 84.5 and up in-tank pumps
2. 82-89 CIS main pumps
3. 1990-93 Digifant main pumps.

Why because each one is a tad different.
The 84.5 and up and the 90-93 Digifant in-tank pumps produce @ 45psi nominal depending on maker of the pump and and should pump 10 oz in 30 seconds so keep the running of the fuel to the 30 second mark.

The GPH Gallons per hours should be 30-40 rated
The In-tank pump and the External fuel pump on a digifant are rated the same as to flow rate and quantity.

The lift pump or what I call in-tank are the same thing.  Just a difference in location as to what we call it.
US vs UK or the Bentley/Haynes.

The 89 External pump has the input at the output level of the lift pump, the caveat is that output is @ 75psi, a whole lot of pressure, while the flow rate is the not the same, and the chart from the bentley should be used.




Now you can use an light oil to simulate fuel, but it is rather more expensive.  The in-tank lift pump can be tested in the car, you need to extend the output hose well outside of the car…..

The CIS fuel pressure regulator is in the CIS Distribution body, whereas the Digifant uses a Fuel pressure regulator that is Vacuum driven from the intake to Keep the fuel rail at pressure and by-passes the fuel back to the tank.

Read more about it in the Haynes/Bentley manual….Great light afternoon reading.


******************** Single pump conversion facts for Digifant owners***************************
oppsy, forgot to add that I am using a single pump in my 92 Cabriolet sans swirlpot, and I had to change the Lift pump (now my primary) one of the replacements I got was causing all kinds of balky issues, and I found out that the output flow was rated @ 19GPH which is well under the minimum for the Digi.  Once I source the Proper pump and not a "Look-a-Like" the balkyness went away.


 

Thanks chaps.

Brian - it's an 83 K-jet, single pump, external. I'll see if I can find some flow data for that.
Now, where's that big funnel…..