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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Backup SU fuel pump location. Install where?

A short while ago I know there was a discussion about this. However it's dropped out of the live BBS. After trying to search the archives for it, and failing, I've given up.

So if any kind soul remembers the name of the thread that discussed where you mount a spare SU AUF214 fuel pump, either in the general threads or technical threads side, could they enlighten me? Thanks. :)

Or, if not known, riddle me this.

If you were to mount a spare SU 214 type fuel pump as a backup in a spridget, where would you mount it?


Please ignore the following items, as they are already taken into consideration by me.:)

1) Noted that the points can film over if not in regular use. No problem, if used with a change over switch to swap between the two pumps occasionally. I acknowledge that points film over if not in use, and I am considering converting the pump to all electronic with a SU kit made for the purpose.

2)Just keep it spare in the boot. Don't want to. I want to mount it.

3) Pumps don't fail often so why bother? Fun, and sheer convenience if it does fail.

4) I already have a practically new spare SU AUF214 points version. So I don't want a QH or a Facet. :). -- I'm old fashioned. And I am considering converting the spare SU pump to all electronic with a SU kit made for the purpose.

So where best to mount it?
Lawrence Slater

On my MGA (same as midget)

I installed a further Facet fuel pump in series with the SU, I can now run either without problems. I mounted the "cube" under the bonnet.
Bob Turbo Midget England

Now Ive been thinking about this too (with my recent fuel delivery issues) and my view on this would be to mount another pump (mines a QH electronic) literally at the side of the existing one but 'plumb' it up in parallel fuel wise, with a 2 way switch mounted discreetly in the boot then it would be easy to switch from one to the other with minimum wiring mods keeping it all local to the pump/boot area.

My theory (with my limited mechanical skills)! for plumbing it up in parallel is that if a fault/blockage occured in the first pump when you swithched to the other one you would still have said blockage but have another pump trying to pull in fuel from the same source through the blockage....

Just my thoughts... might be total Bo**ocks!
Rob Flint

'Scuse me chaps. :)

My question was. Where would you mount a SU AUF214? Not a facet or a QH. I haven't got one of those, and won't be getting one.

So has anyone have any experience of mounting the SU 214 in series with another SU214, and where did you mount it?

Actually RobF, I dont think that is total Bollocks, but I'm not sure about check valve use in in parallel.
Lawrence Slater

Lawrence

I know you said "ignore the following........." but I can't help myself

Why do people continually want to over complicate and discuss at length faults / problems / improvements that don't actually exist or are completely unnecessary (the manifold nut discussion is another example).

Use your car regularly, sell your spare pump and all your dilemmas disappear

You're "old fashioned" AND you want to convert your spare pump to all electronic??







S G Macfarlane

SG,

Because I want to. No other reason than that given, and no other reason than that needed. :)

Yes I'm old fashioned, and want to keep an SU. :)
Lawrence Slater

Lawrence,

I If I had a SU AUF214 (or even 2) I would mount a second one right at the side of the origonal one!

Install 2 x 'http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fuel-Non-Return-Check-Valve-one-way-petrol-diesel-8mm-/290402089270 one in each line after the pump before it went back into one pipe! then they would work as intended...
Rob Flint

If you need a spare for your spare......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUSTIN-MORRIS-MINI-MK1-2-COOPER-S-ELECTRIC-SU-PETROL-PUMP-BMC-NOS-AUF-214-/380388978597?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5890f32fa5

Bargain... lol
Rob Flint

Yup that would work. Although I'm not worried about blockage as I understand the SU pump does not suffer from this. I've certainly never had a blocked pump, only a stopped one.

So my preference is series. I'll have to get under and look at the side by side room. If there is, that sounds like the answer to my question, in the absence of any other ideas on where best to mount the spare/backup.

"If you need a spare for your spare......"
Actually I just picked up a far better bargain on Ebay. just over 13quid pluse postage. Barely used and in perfect working order dual polarity AUF214. Hence my interest now in installing it.
Lawrence Slater

Lawrence, I would mount it in another body shell, along with all of the other spare parts. Then if my car stopped due to any part failing I wouldn't even have the bother of identifying what the problem was - I would just drive the "spare parts" car. ;-)
Guy

SG

Guess you have never had a pump fail in the middle of nowhere?

Perhaps had it happened to you then you may think differently. :)
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

I agree Guy, handy if you happen to be towing your spare car. lol


RobF
He's asking too much for that pump, Its the same price as a Current stock new one.
Lawrence Slater

RobF.
Just been reading Dave Dubois website, and it seems you don't need a check valve, as the SU pump already has one in it.
Lawrence Slater

I have seen a spare mounted alongside the standard location. What I don't recall is if it was actually plumbed in, or not. I rather suspect that it was just mounted and would need the rubber hose lines swapping over if it was needed. I wonder if they could be mounted in parallel, and both active so that they ran together, but if either one failed then the other would just continue. Seems too simple to be right!
Guy

... and if it sticks shut plumbed in series you will get no fuel no matter how many pumps you have :-)

http://www.sucarb.co.uk/SUpumpClassic.aspx?ProductId=26724
Rob Flint

Guy, if you ran 2 all the time you wouldnt know if one had failed till they both failed... ( not sure re pressure issues running 2 pumps simultaniously as im not sure)!
Rob Flint

Lawrence,

To get back to the original question, after having had a few fuel supply problems I have mounted a second SU214 (solid state equivalent) under the bonnet on the left hand side on the inner front wing just in front of the carbs. Its plumbed in series all and wired up all I have to do is connect the earth terminal to get it working. Guess what the pump above the rear axle has not given a spot of trouble since I fitted a second, must have frightened it..
I have run them both together for a few miles to see if I got flooding or any other problems there were no problems at all.

Mike
Mike J Pearson

Lawrence, mine is located in the boot (see photo.) Very easy to reach to give it a tap to get it going.

Mike


m fairclough

I haven't had a good look at the check valve, but I don't think anyone has ever had a problem with the valves staying shut and blocking off the fuel.

Mike, that's what I was hoping someone would say. Easy access and no heat problem from the engine.

As I'm installing the points version (although I might upgrade/convert the spare pump to electronics), I would like it easily accessible.

My personal reason for doing this is essentially age related. Mine not the car or pump. LOL. SU pumps last for yonks, but they can fail, and on 3 previous occasions when I was much younger, they were easy to fix. But I don't really fancy lying on my back in the rain again at night when I'm drawing a pension. :).

So under the bonnet sounds good.

M fairclough,
Very easy to get at that's for sure. Any petrol vapour odour? Is that in series, or just your original single pump?

And weren't you in Coronation Street way back?






Lawrence Slater

And I think that is illegal Mike

I believe you should have a metal firewall between the fuel pump and the passenger compartment, hence original mounting under the body or optional on many cars in the engine bay.

I suppose you could replace the rear trim panel with metal fabrication or another idea I saw was to box in the boot space around the pump.

I feel if the vehicle was involve in an accident you are giving the insurance assessor every opportunity to get out!

IMO
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

The midget was used for racing so the boot was sealed off from the cockpit so it didnt smell much. I seemed to remember Midgets always had faint whiff of 4* star about them anyway.
The pump is the only one on the car, I seem to remember pictures of factory race MGB's with two pumps in series in the boot.
I am no relation to Len Fairclough or Evertons "super sub" David Fairclough !!

Mike
m fairclough

Lawrence,
the location for a spare fuel pump is on the supplier's shelves :)

why not have a manual pump just to be sure

you really are a belt, braces, bit of string and chewing gum sort :)

and reach in the boot to tap it, why not put in a little crank handle :)

and you laugh at me for going over the top :)

metal dividing wall to cabin - and doesn't pump have to be enclosed/protected too(? I don't know)
Nigel Atkins

Ah right Mike, mines for the road, and only a wood replacement barrier between me and the boot.

But your right about the whiff of 4 star from time to time when you open the boot lid. I always suspect the filler neck flex hose, but whenever I check, it's not leaking. Then it goes away for a month or year. Very odd.

Len was a builder I think. :)

Lawrence Slater

Nigel,
I refer you to my first post, points 1-4 inclusive. Especially 3), LOL.
Lawrence Slater

Gentlemen - The AUA 214 SU fuel pump (or any other SU pumps) can be plumbed in series or parallel with any other SU pump (or after market pumps) with absolutely no problems. The SU pumps employ check valves on the inlet and outlet side and the only time I have ever heard of one of their valves sticking, was a fluke that happened to me in our TD. The cause was a sloshing compound used to seal the tank back in the 80s. Today's wonderful fuel with all of its additives caused the sealer to dissolve and coat, not only the fuel pump check valves but also the carburetor check valves, very effectively gluing them shut.

Lawrence and I have been discussing the pumps and he decided to toss it out to this forum because I am not familiar with the Midgets and where to mount a backup pump. Lawrence and I agree on the matter of a backup pump - if the primary pump fails on the road, it is not only an inconvenience, it can be down right dangerous to try to rectify the problem on the road and I prefer to have a backup in place that I can switch it in and it will get me home, where I can work in the comfort of my own garage. Go to me web site at: http://homepages.donobi.net/sufuelpumps/ and read the article, Backup Fuel Pump (The Story) in the SU Fuel Pump articles section. This explains my rational on backup pumps. I have my own solid state modification on the pumps in our two MGs, so there is no problem with points sticking or filming over to cause the pumps to die on the road, but I have worked in the electronics world far too long to trust it. My experience is that any electronic can (and most likely will) fail at any time - most usually at the worst possible moment. Thus far, it has been 10 years or more since I installed the backup pump and I have not had need for it yet (the only time the backup, a Facet, is run is a periodic check that it is still working). Paranoid? Perhaps. I prefer to look at it as the insurance policies we have on our car and home - something that is there when needed, particularly since we depend on our MGB and TD as our everyday transportation vehicles, including a yearly 3000 mile round trip to visit my aging mother in law. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

I'd mount in the boot for convenience, ie. if you want the minimum of hassle to repair/replace, then they are so much more accessible.

I'd also arrange for only one to work at any time; and every now and again switch to the other, so that they are both used regularly and you can check both are working.

They don't take up much room ... mount them on the front-rear bracing by the inner arch.

(I already have ally bulkhead.)

A
Anthony Cutler

Hi Anthony,

That's my intention, to be able to switch in either pump to keep both in working order.

I'm "considering" converting the spare to electronic, but as the points last so long, as long as they are in use, I might not bother. And as Dave Dubois says, even electronics can fail, so I might not gain anything at all by converting. I'm only really tempted because SU are offering a full electronic conversion kit for 40 quid.

I'd like to put it in the boot, but don't fancy altering the bulkhead. I have speakers mounted in wood. So I guess it might fail the mot as Rob says, if they see a fuel pump sitting next to wood.

So I think it's either low down in the engine bay, away from the exhaust manifold, or alongside the original.

Parallel sounds better in theory, if the pump is subject to blockage, but it's a more hassle from a plumbing point of view. 2 Y pieces, and extra shut off valves.

But since the pumps don't block up, I reckon series is easier to install.
Lawrence Slater

rebuilding an existing pump in advance of it breaking down I can understand or replacing something before it lets you down

the cars that get used too little probably need a second set of a lot of items but not yours Lawrence, you're getting old and worrying too much, ask your nurse for some soothing words :)

not wanting to do any roadside repairs I'm a 110% (as they say now) all for

but where does this end :)

Lawrence why not carry a spare steering wheel, they can snap, better still have it fitted as a twin ready for use :)

sorry, each to their own, the subject just tickled me
Nigel Atkins

Here's mine, its the only one I've got and I'm starting to feel inadequate!

No doubt MOT testers everywhere are throwing their hands up in the air, insurance brokers are outraged and MG owners are sniggering at my lack of pumping prowess.

If it breaks down just once in the next 10 years I'll eat my hat.


S G Macfarlane

SG, I'm curious. why did you relocate your pump to the boot?

--------

If you have breakdown insurance, and, you aren't planning any long trips, then true, no need for ANY spares at all.

On the other hand, If you don't have breakdown insurance, or if you do, and don't want to be carted home, or to a garage instead of your destination when you breakdown (and no recovery service is going to be carrying spares to fix a Spridget fuel pump I'd wager),

---- and, ---

no longer wish to do the kind of roadside repair that an underbody fuel pump entails, and are planning on driving to the south of Spain for example, then having a spare installed and switchable fuel pump, seems to be a reasonable idea to me.


Nigel, this thread is only about installing a fuel pump as a spare. Nowt else. I'm not in favour of rebuilding anything before it fails, unless it's obvious it's about to go tits up. I like to get full use before I chuck or repair anything. But I do like a stitch in time, as it saves nine. It's much easier to install a spare pump, than fix a broken one by the side of the road.

"why not carry a spare steering wheel, they can snap, better still have it fitted as a twin ready for use :)"

No need for that Nigel. My steering wheel did indeed snap quite a few years ago. It was only one the top sections that came adrift, so I was able to steer ok. :) Eventually, I got around to unstitching the leather, adding plates to the rim, and stitching it back up again. And it's still with me today. :)

Fuel Pumps Nigel, fuel pumps, that's all we are talking about here. :)
Lawrence Slater

To keep the pump clean, dry, readily accessible for maintenance, easily beltable with a large hammer and reliable. I don't do shopping, picnics etc (or carry any spares) so have got no other use for the boot anyway
S G Macfarlane

in that case Lawrence -

a fuel pump on the transmission tunnel in front of the gear lever, that way you're able to keep a constant eye and ear on it and repair and replace in the warm and dry

whoops I’ve got it wrong, I mean mount two fuel pumps on the transmission tunnel . . .

:)

I must stop posting here, I must stop posting here
Nigel Atkins

Well, I think its a good idea Lawrence no matter what Nigel says and you've got me tempted into doing the same thing. Parallel plumbing and mounted next to each other sounds like the best thing to me. I quite fancy the idea of having a three gang toggle switch on the dash giving left pump, off and right pump positions.
However from there its only a short step onto the slippery slope whereby I'll be shouting contact and expecting a young chap to come and turn my propellor over, wearing a flying jacket, helmet and goggles and a silk scarf.
Tally ho!
Matt1275Bucks

In reverse order,

Matt,
I wasn't attempting to tempt or persuade anyone in either direction. I just made up my mind to do it, on the aquisition of a very cheap and almost new dual polarity fuel pump. So I figured, rather than carry it for long trips, I would install it, and decided to enquire here if anyone could remember the very recent thread that discussed it. Seems that nobody can. Never mind.

But yep I like the idea of a centre position switch too. -- Contact, chocs away old boy. lol.

Nigel,
Your a man that famously has no need of a spare tyre. Why? Because you are also on record as not needing one, on account of the very few if ever punctures you get. ---- And yet, ---- you carry a can of goop, or other such tyre sealant, and a foot pump. Surely that's completely insane? You don't need those items, throw them away, you'll never need them. lol.

SG.
As far as I am aware, the average life expectancy of the fuel pump in the standard mounting position in a Spridget, is circa 15 years (I am willing to be corrected in this). That being so, and for someone who maintains that the fuel pumps simply don't go wrong, you seem to have gone to some trouble to relocate your pump. I guess you worry that one day, you might be eating your hat after all. :)


In my experience of many years and miles, I've found that when the points in the SU pump first start to deteriorate, you can simply pound the rear shelf with fist or wood, and that's enough to start it again. You rarely need to get underneath, and don't need it installed in the boot.

However, when finally, hitting it does not awaken it again (3 occassions for me), it won't matter where it is, if you haven't got a spare pump or spare parts with you.

And if you have got a spare pump and or spares with you, even if your single pump is mounted in the boot, it is going to be FAR FAR quicker and easier, to throw a switch and activate an installed backup pump, than either repair or change the single installed pump.


Lawrence Slater

Lawrence I carry the foot pump instead of a spare tyre

gloop to be honest was thoughtless habit, it's out of date now anyway so you can have it if you want

there's a difference between instead of and in addition to

you want to fit a second pump in addition to the pump you already have and if that's what you want good luck to you, each to their own

I think for you and your use of your car it's over the top, unnecssary - exactly the same as you think about some of the things I suggest and do

just think about how many fuel pumps have you had to repair or replace in how many years over how many tens of thousands of miles

I've replaced two both on cars that I didn't know the history of

I put a new pump on my present Midget as the one fitted didn't look good - I changed it as prevention of breaking down, I'll let you know when this (electronic) pump lets me down

those that don't use their cars much and have the old style pumps I can imagine have no idea when their pumps will stop whereas you use your car regularly so you can prevent the expected stoppage
Nigel Atkins

I can't believe some of the comments here.

Fitting a reserve pump IMO is probably the best mod you could ever make to your car.

If you come out of a French restaurant in the middle of the night and want to travel back to your gite and pump fails to tick? get a taxi if you can? and holiday ruined!! Second pump fitted simply flick switch and continue happily!!


Nige I put you down as someone who would take ever spare you could including the kitchen sink so what is your problem?

I carry very few spares but have no problems keeping my cars running when out and about, but fuel pumps are a must not because they are irrepairable at the side of the road (I have done that) but they are such a pain to get to and such an easy mod to make to avoid problems
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Also.............. I quite like Matt1275Bucks's thought... 3 way switch on the dash.... would be an additional 'security' feature........ on...off...on.... just a thought...
Rob Flint

Yup, Dave Duboise pointed that out to me too, as long as the switch is in a less then obvious place.
Lawrence Slater

........and if nothing else it makes you feel good flicking the switch after turning on the ignition. If I installed a second fuel tank in the boot I could also have another switch labelled Reserve!
Help am I developing a switch obsession to match Prop's gauge fetish? I could have lots of switches which do absolutely nothing. (A bit like my current dashboard in fact!)
Matt1275Bucks

Or....... have loads of switches that have to be in certain position to energise the pump(s) your very own 'crystal maze'
Rob Flint

Bob,
I'm not the one with a problem, I only need one pump :)

I can't believe you keeping a component that you're so sure is going to let you down that you pump and wire in it's replacement in advance

just because I don't follow your unusual beliefs Lawrence and you get all defensive against me

I understand statistical logic has noting to do with beliefs, I have strange ideas and habits of my own

as I keep saying each to their own I don't follow some of your beliefs you don't follow most of mine - where's the problem

I dislike carrying any spares or tools more than is strictly necessary - usually it's somebody else that needs/wants to use them

now the spare pair of underpants you carry, disposable or standard :)
Nigel Atkins

I can vouch for the effectiveness of a 3 way switch, when my friend had one in his race car that went to two solid state pumps in the boot. During a relay race I shot off out of the pits at Snetterton got 1/2 way around and the float chambers had emptied. It was a long walk back to be told about the toggle switch !

Mike
m fairclough

you might find this helpful, the principle is the same...
http://www.v8register.net/subpages/V8NOTE380.htm
David Smith

ill come clean, I didn't fit it in the boot, it was the PO, he did all the hard work and ive got all the benefit!
S G Macfarlane

or just fit one of these...
http://tinyurl.com/ch2gxbm
the twin pump was listed in the Special Tuning catalogue for many years...
David Smith

>>I have suffered four failures of the SU-Burlen petrol pump over a five year period - two of these failures whilst touring abroad when replacement on the side of the road is both inconvenient and difficult.

So finally decided to do the obvious thing<<
wouldn't that be to buy a different make or type of pump???

what is this great loyality to something you can't trust

rotor arms that failed in short time - you'd buy a better and different make

what is there that you'd normally expect to last years that you would buy four times in row when it keeps letting you down in a short time

would you buy the same make and model of TV four times in 5 years because it kept breaking down

and then buy a sixth to keep at the side ogf the fith one you bought

I give in - you belive in SU pumps so much that you want two at a time, good luck to you Burlen's profits :)
Nigel Atkins

Nige I can't believe you go on long journies in your car knowing that you have failed to maintain it correctly and you will need to take spare parts for when it breaksdown!!

Staggering!!???????????
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Bob,

bulbs - legal requirement in France (plus others?)

:)


oh yeah, and two fuses as there's space for them in the fusebox :)
Nigel Atkins

Dear me I could have sworn you had suggested people should change everything on the ignition plus fan belt before each journey and then take most of the old bits with them just in case the new bits failed? do you not buy quality??
LOL?
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

I rather understood that Lawrence wanted to fit a second pump mainly because ha had one, and fitting it to the car seemed like a better idea than having it sitting in a drawer at home. I think it is a good idea anyway and if I had a spare pump I would probably do the same.

I once travelled a 78 mile journey through heavy rain and floods, during which my pump stopped working 26 times! I quickly developed a technique of opening the door and without getting leaving the seat, reaching out and under the wheel arch behind me with a hammer in hand which I waved around until it contacted the pump body and the thing would burst back into life.
Guy

>>I rather understood that Lawrence wanted to fit a second pump mainly because he had one, and fitting it to the car seemed like a better idea than having it sitting in a drawer at home<<

narh, I'm not having that Guy I've got oil and petrol filters and oil out in the unheated shed I'm not putting them all on the car :)

last time I was let down was with the present Midget when the alternator went in Europe now are you suggesting I had a spare fitted ready to take over

having said that a mate had a ex Dutch army VW van/bus that had a second alternator fitted

and a riffle rack and 'anti-radar' paint

because I had a maintained battery and conections and leads I could rely on my battery to do the tour and get me back home

well - I would have had I not left my headlights on by mistake after the sun burnt off the morning's thick mist - I thought the locals were flashing their headlights at me as they liked the little British car - the only time I've turned the dash light off too (to save the battery)
Nigel Atkins

""last time I was let down was with the present Midget when the alternator went in Europe now are you suggesting I had a spare fitted ready to take over""

No because:

You can still travel on battery power to the nearest French Auto electrical place, buy a new alternator and fit in in just a few minutes :) What would be the point in fitting 2 or even carrying a spare?

Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Nigel, I wasn't making any comment on what you should do. I was simply making my interpretation of what Lawrence was choosing to do. If I had a spare pump I would do the same.
Guy

Bob,
no when an alternator packs up on me it's on a BH and I've drained the battery by leaving my headlights on unnessarily, not in France only place with an alternator is miles away and the bloke who I think is doing me a favour by taking me to collect it is actually adding it to the bill :)

and I'm sure on a previous thread someone said they carry a spare alternator when going abroad :)

Guy,
I still disagree but I am trying to be funny about it :)

if I give you some spare oil and petrol filters do you promise to fit them as spare along side your existing :)

I had a ride once in a mates hefty Mini, stripped out, straight cut gears, track cam, rattling plastic slide window, sports exhaust and the noisest things heard over all else where the twin clicking fuel pumps :)
Nigel Atkins

Actually Nigel, I don't have any dualed backup systems on my car.
Except the wheels, and I have 4 of those. Oh, and pistons (4), and . . . ..
Guy

""and I'm sure on a previous thread someone said they carry a spare alternator when going abroad :)""

Certainly wasn't me Nige and now you too will be able to tell such people the folly of their ways.

In fact if you are with someone else or even a friendly local and you left your lights on then connect 2 wires between your battery and that of your friend (no need for large diameter) then leave vehicle idling for half an hour by which time it will have charged your battery enough to travel many miles without lights.

Now the point again is with a fuel pump it is a difficult repair that is so easily overcome by fitting a reserve pump! unlike most other things!

Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

>>Except the wheels, and I have 4 of those<<

another that doesn't carry a spare then, join the band :)

and no we don't count the steering wheel

I'm out in the garden now looking for evidence of Prop's departure with the binoculars
Nigel Atkins

Bob,
I know it may seem it but I'm not a complete idiot, I've never completed anything

I asked and was offered a charge from another car unfortunately most of the other cars where old fibreglass models and the one I was offered turned out to have a battery that was somewhat lacking plus the Midget was parked on a narrow street with the other cars parked inches away front and rear making a bump start very awkward

back to the pump - there are a lot of bits that are/would be a pita to attemt to repair roadside and how often does a fuel pump go wrong if previously repaired properly or replaced - I can't see the logic - but if you want 3 pumps on your car that's your business but you've not given a good reason for others to do so unless they want to, want is different to need
Nigel Atkins

That’s what I like to see, good old Christmas spirit and camaraderie on the 1st December. LOL.

Don’t you all think this is rather amusing? And surprising for that matter.

All I did was make a simple request, that if anyone knew of the previous thread discussing the mounting of a spare fuel pump, would they please tell me.

And failing that, “If you were to mount a spare SU 214 type fuel pump as a backup in a spridget, --- where would you mount it?”

I don’t recall asking if anyone had any views on the pros or cons of having an installed spare pump, only, where it might be installed. I even attempted to pre-empt the opinions with my short list of pre considered points. lol. I Knew it was doomed. :)

But never mind, I love a controversial (although I’m greatly surprised it is) and lively debate. :)

So to respond the earlier posts.

Nigel,
“just because I don't follow your unusual beliefs Lawrence and you get all defensive against me”
Huh? Defensive? What on earth have I got to be defensive about. LOL. I was being very mildly sarcastic. :)

SG.
Fair enough then. I hope you keep some spare salt in the boot for the hat if you have to eat it. And keep a few grains of rice in the salt to keep it dry too.:)

Dave smith,.
Thanks for posting that link. Very good read. And I agree about the dual pumps. When I looked the SU site, that crossed my mind as it happens. As long as they are fully duplicated, it’s a good idea I reckon. BUT, as I already have two good working pumps, it’s not good economics, --- unless of course I can sell my two pumps and buy the one dual pump.:)

Guy
Spot on. I bought a very good spare pump, very cheaply, and for little effort on my part think keeping it, installed, as opposed to on a shelf, a saving in time in the event of a pump failure.

Now I don’t compare myself to God, primarily because I am not any kind of a theist. BUT, if I were to, then I would say that creating animals with dual kidneys, lungs, etc, was brilliant. One packs up and you just live on the other. Assuming you don’t abuse them, you expect these organs to last your life time. So in that sense the spare is never used. A great “just in case arrangement”. LOL.

Nigel again,
“narh, I'm not having that Guy I've got oil and petrol filters and oil out in the unheated shed I'm not putting them all on the car :)”

Now you’re just being silly. Oil doesn’t suddenly fail, and can’t be carried as a spare “installed” item. Neither do, or can, petrol fitters. A petrol filter is part2011-11-29
Lawrence Slater

If installing the two SU pumps in parallel, I suspect that they would need to have one way valves on the delivery side of each pump, just before the fuel lines re-unite. Why? (Rhetorical, as favoured by so-called economist reporters on the TV).
Because the SU pump stops pumping when the pressure builds on the delivery side, when the carbs fill and the needle valves close. Without the suggested one way valve one pump would then pump back through the other wouldn't it. Not sure what would happen next but suspect it wouldn't be quite the desired effect.
Guy

Guy, the SU pump has a built in valve. Dave Dubois confirmed it.

I blew into the outlet side of my spare pump, and couldn't blow through it, whereas blowing through the inlet is easy.
Lawrence Slater

Ah, well that's OK then. Should work OK in parallel.

How will you compensate for the extra weight and increased risk of leaks developing? ;-)
Guy

Hah hah.

I'll stop carrying the spare can of (just in case I run out) petrol to save weight, and add some gloop tyre sealant to the fuel tank to pre-empt the leaks. lol.
Lawrence Slater

Tyre gloop in the petrol tank. - That sounds a good idea Lawrence. You must post on here to let us know how well it works. (When you get back from your long walk)

One place I worked we had a cutting table with a self-healing sort of rubber mat. You cut into it with a craft knife and it mended itself again. Maybe a tank made of that stuff?
Guy

Huh? what's happening threads are disappearing.
Lawrence Slater

I'll try again then.

Guy, I have some self amalgamating rubber tape on a roll. You wrap it round things and it bonds to itself. I've used it to mend water pipes and heater hoses, but not on petrol pipes.

Seriously though I don't expect anymore trouble with petrol leaks than with one pump.
Lawrence Slater

>>I'll stop carrying the spare can of (just in case I run out) petrol<<

heyyyy, that not my doing, my wife insists that I carry a spare gallon when she's in the car just because once or twice in the past I've run out and now she's too lazy and heavy to push the car - I don't know why I've put up with her so long, I'm a Saint

>>and add some gloop tyre sealant to the fuel tank to pre-empt the leaks<<

send me your address you can have the out of date gloop I've got :)
Nigel Atkins

hah hah Nigel, you'd better not let the missus see your posts here, she might castrate you. Shes too lazy and heavy? Watch out for poison in your porridge tomorrow. lol.
Lawrence Slater

mention pushing the car because it's run out of petrol and she'll be off on a story about her pushing the last Spridget half a mile which was probably an exaggeration and she never mentions it was almost all on the flat

she also insist on having full AA or RAC cover even though we don’t ever need it (now)

I’ve had to put on such much weight myself to stop her bullying me so much
Nigel Atkins

lol. I think there's a shelter for beaten husbands these days nigel.
Lawrence Slater

Lawrence,
Once your two pumps are fitted and running in series how will you know when one has failed and you are only running on one?
You could fit a few gauges on the dash board showing pump pressure and current draw for each pump, then you would know what they are both up to ;)
I bet prop doesn't have gauges for that!
I'll get my coat...
Dave
Dave Brown

Dave, crossover switch, they don't run both at the same time, that would be daft.
David Smith

hah hah, well not unless you fancy some kind of fuel injection, in which case you could mount a dozen of them, all in series, all switched on, and on a big chrome rig on the boot lid.

Now THAT'S something for Prop. :)
Lawrence Slater

David,
Wouldn't you need two switches, just in case one failed?
Dave
Dave Brown

:)
Lawrence Slater

This thread was discussed between 29/11/2011 and 02/12/2011

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