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MG MG Y Type - Petrol pump failure - I suspect E10 fuel!

Without any prior warning, my petrol pump has decided to stop being a pump and just make noisy clicking sounds. As I can't detect any suck or squeeze, input or output, the fuel line isn't blocked and the electric bits seem to be working fine (it's a relatively young later SU pump with electronic internals) I suspect diaphragm failure, possibly brought on by the use of E10 fuel - I know, I know....

Has anyone else experienced this sort of failure and identified the evil influence of E10?

I haven't stripped the pump yet, but I think an overhaul kit should fix the trouble. Any thoughts?
Tim Griggs

It sounds as if you really don't like E10 Tim. In all fairness you will not know whether your prejudices are correct until you strip the pump. It could be the diaphragm, though recent ones are supposed to be E10 proof, but it is just as likely that you have an air leak on the inlet side.
Ian
ian thomson

Well, to be honest, Ian, I'm fairly neutral on E10 though that may not be how it sounds... as fuel spec is the only thing to have changed on my car in the last few years' running, that is the first place I'm looking. Definitely no pipeline air leaks, anyway. A repair kit is on the way.
Tim Griggs

Tim,

Yes it has happened to my Y's both recently and was due to the fuel being left in the pump, that is what Burlen advised me they suggested you drain petrol out pump each time.... what a faff. But as suggested the dreaded E10... I always go for E5 but don't forget that could still contain 5% ethanol.

Richard
Richard Knight

Richard, Burlen's advice sounds to me like an answer to a question they don't really want or know the answer to. Seriously though the pump will self empty as fuel evaporates when stood for any length of time which is why the pump ticks for as long as it does when you switch the ignition on.

Ian
ian thomson

Tim
Have you checked the screen in the pump, could be clogged with the dreaded E goop
William Revit

This thread was discussed between 16/05/2023 and 19/05/2023

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