[dojocasino]

The fuel pump fuse (No. 31 in the fusebox under the bonnet) has blown three times in the space of 12 months in my Puma 1.7.

Has anyone else had a problem with this? Any ideas what could be causing it?

[Morph1973]

Yeah Ive got this issue too, fuel pump fuse has blown and upon replacement either works fine or blows again, now the fuse is fine but the fuel pump seems dead (had been making a high pitched whining noise too) so looks like the fuel pump needs replacing aaargh anyone know how big a job this is???

[Ian G]

Jack the rear of the car up, tank is four 13mm bolts, support the tank and undo these, when they're clear, lower the tank, you've an electrical connection on the tank, two pipes leading in to the rear of the tank, a breather vent on the top and the two fuel fittings. These all need removing before the tank can be removed completely.

Once the tank is out, the pump is secured using an interference fit castle ring, just a case of knocking that round with a screwdriver and a hammer until the ring is dislocated and the pump will just lift out.

If you want to drain the excess fuel before starting the job, take the white connector off the fuel line in the engine bay (above the red connector) and run that in to a suitable container. Then peel back the passenger side kick panel carpet (take the door rubber off first if it makes it easier), unscrew the fuel cut off switch - black box with a red button on top - once that is free unplug it and run a wire from your battery positive to the middle pin of the connector and the fuel pump will run.

Alternatively just drive it until you run out

You'll not get it all so be prepared for a few spillages along the way when you've got the stuff unplugged. And don't be tempted to syphon it, it tastes very tangy

If you need to buy a fuel pump I've got lots available, £30 posted.

[Morph1973]

Thanks for the quick reply!! Ive got a pump on order already and have arranged to tow my car home this week, just hope its still there.... then I can finally replace the damn thing!! Thanks again

[Ian G]

Nice one, keep us posted how you get on.

[Morph1973]

Ok got the car back this am and with the help of my mate and his trolley jack and axle stands got the new pump fitted this afternoon, all seems to be ok now, many thanks for the help!!

[Ian G]

Excellent.

[Morph1973]

OK well you know how I said it was all sorted....!

New fuel pump is fitted but seems to be a bit whiny. £30 off ebay but such a pain to access! Thats the least of my problems though, the engine is behaving oddly over 2000 rpm or with more than about an inch of throttle pedal down. Seems to sort of be a bit hesitant and then surge, plus the other day Im sure it wouldnt go past 4000rpm and I didnt want to risk it. Then the engine light came on yesterday.

Ive got a new air filter coming and am gonna clean up the MAF sensor at the same time, however now Im thinking its the lambda sensor.. exhaust has been a bit 'throaty' lately and I was surprised to see there were no holes in it when I was underneath, i unplugged the lambda and it sounded just as rough as when plugged in. Do you think I should just go ahead and replace the lambda sensor myself?

[Ian G]

Did you check the tank for contamination? The other possibility is that the thing which blocked your other fuel pump and caused it to draw more current and blow the fuse might also now be causing fuel starvation which would give your the hesitancy.

If you've got EML that is fairly good news because you'll have some clues in the code.

Leaky exhaust will also mess with the post combustion measurements, will appear as a lambda code but in most cases the sensors is fine, its just giving implausible readings because there's unmetered air present in the measurement.

[Morph1973]

I changed my lambda sensor (eventually- had a mare getting it out) and all is running fine now... dunno if the old sensor is broken or just dirty, it was very sooty anyway.... had also changed air filter and cleaned MAF but this made little difference