Operation: Save Fishbutt

[ReZDoG]

Well, I just got done swaping fuel pumps.. and also changed fuel reg.. but still no fuel.. what am I missing here... What should I check now? Im at the point of fustration.. so its time to consult the VW gurus...


any help would be..........helpful.........

[boostin20v]

which pump did you replace? did you check all the fuses?

[ReZDoG]

I guess we can call it the "lower" pump. it filled up with fuel no problem.. just not getting to the front.. plugs are dry.. good spark. pretty sure we've checked the fuses.. but will double - triple check

[VWTUNING]

did you check the fuel pump relay? that is a common failure on MK2's. Pull the relay out and two pins should be large, make a jumper wire and plug it in where those two pins went. just becarefull cause this will make the fuel pump run full time, so dont leave it like that! :p

[ReZDoG]

relay removed jumper installed no fuel still.

with jumper intalled both fuel lines open, i as getting no fuel to the front,

is there anyway to scrap that system and install an aftermarket high performnance holley fuel pump?

[ReZDoG]

checking vacuum lines now.... changing out any questionable ones.

[boostin20v]

no foriegn mater in the fuel line? if fuel makes it to the pump but not the front I'd check the line

[ReZDoG]

no foriegn mater in the fuel line? if fuel makes it to the pump but not the front I'd check the line


thinking it might be the in tank fuel pump, because when I disconenct the fuel line, I get a burst of air.. its not pumping from the tank to the res.. sounds right?

[BUNNYLOVE]

Are both pumps running with the relay jumped? There is an access cover in the hatch area where you can here the in tank pump. Usually even if the in tank pump is shot you will get some fuel in the res. just from gravity. The car will actually still run. Under the access cover is the sender for the fuel gauge and the in tank pump is there also. You can disconnect the line to the main pump res. and see if it flows. Maybe the sock on the pump is turded up.

Where do you have the fuel line disconnected? pump, underhood, pre/post fuel filter?

[ReZDoG]

Im not sure.. I was just relaying what my brother was saying.. he's my cheif Mechanic.. :D we are going to look at the in take pump later.. taking a frustation break..:D

[turbosnow]

Another thought, check the hall sensor connections to the distributor, if you are getting spark it is probabyl not it but most of the fuesl systems will not turn the pump on if they do not see the distributor turning. Although jumping the relay should take care of that.

IF you pull the pump out of the tanks check to see if the pickup is clogged with some crap....that could cause everything.

[ReZPunK]

Hello, as semi-co-owner/Cheif Technician, and noob when it comes to VW, i thought about all the possbiles on the way home.

my soultion was this.

the in tank fuel pump died. so tha car ran untill the reservoir was empty.

assuming like most fuel pumps, these are lubricated by the gas they pump, i wan thinking that the in-tank pump dies....leaving the second one to run the res dry and buring that one too.

this makes sense.

we also replaced all vacuum lines with fresh hose and even put a newer fuel pressure regulator in.

the second pump is working because when i take the incoming fuel line off at the rail it gives me a puff of air. its building air pressure at hte moment because there is no fuel in the reserve.

sound right?

[turbosnow]

That seems to make sense.
The truth will be found when you check the in tank pump.
It is pretty easy to get to.

[onepointeight]

I just went a couple rounds with my fuel system and this old timer - VW guru guy (he is like 89 years old.) Told me that when you put a new lower pump in and drain or loose a lot of gas that the inner pump will need a "push" to start working again. I couldn't tell you how to "push" or "give it some help" to pump again. But it sounds like you are on the right track. I know that wasn't much help but at least it reassures you that you are on the right path. - Dave

[ReZDoG]

hehe Fishbutt will live!!!

[useanimagination]

FishButt better live. I <3 that car.

I have no advice unfortunately.

[ReZDoG]

FishButt better live. I <3 that car.

I have no advice unfortunately.

Moral Support is just as good!!

[B4passatglx]

I tested my in-tank pump in my golf, by disconnecting the electrical plug that connects it, and jumping it with my booster pack and some test leads with alligator clips. It did not buzz so I knew the pump was shot. I replaced it and tested the new one with this same method and it buzzed and my problem was fixed. This is on an 89 golf 1.8 8v

[ReZPunK]

first step is getting those corroded screws off the open the hatch.

i tried with a screw driver to no avail..

i might get a grinder and grind off the tops of them and then take them out of hte holes with vice grips.

[turbosnow]

DUDE!!! Careful with a grinder on the fuel tank........

Try some PB Blaster first please :)

[shortbus]

FishButt better live. I <3 that car.

I have no advice unfortunately.


yea no advice here eather. FishButt is the **** <3..... send us some pics when you get it fixed

[ReZPunK]

no i wasnt going to grind the gas tank...just the screws holding the access hatch in the trunk.

[turbosnow]

Yeah I realized that after I posted but it is still pretty close to fuel there, just lookin out for ya.

[ReZDoG]

DUDE!!! Careful with a grinder on the fuel tank........

Try some PB Blaster first please :)

Yeah no ****.. seeing how it is my garage!! attached to my HOUSE!!!..

[turbosnow]

Yeah no doubt...any luck?

[USOPHUNKE]

hi, brent here ...sent ya a pm. about a cd in the cd player.....

[ReZPunK]

FISH BUTT LIVES

yes got it running tonight...

the intank pump died...emptying the reservoir.

ran that dry, killed that pump...

replaced the external pump thinking IT was the original problem...which it was because it burned too not having any fuel in it.

SO....replaced both pumps and all is good....took her for a ride around the reservation tonight... no plates...no reg....no inspection...no insurance...


all is good...now...the exhaust donut

[useanimagination]

Hooray for Fishbutt!!!

[shortbus]

yeaaaa woot woot now we need some pics :D

[ReZPunK]

yeah had to fend off children just driving to my house...i live across from the Rezervation playground..

almost had to sacrifice a few of them...

[shortbus]

Kids come and go fish butts one of a kind .............. run them over. Fish Butt must be the talk of the playground

[turbosnow]

Woot awesome news....I'm pretty sure I have found fishbutt v2.......more to come.

[VWTUNING]

awesome!

[ReZDoG]

Yeah.. Im going to go register it on monday.. only issue I have is, ryan.. you didnt give me a bill of sale.. Im hoping i can slide using yours.. :D They really dont ever look at it here in maine.. :D I cant wait to get this thing going. :D


BTW I still want to bring this car down to one of your carshows taht you might have keep me in formed and such.. :D



BTWx2 BABE rally registration is now open..

[lotar_6]

Congrats on keep'n Fish Butt going!! :cool:

Woot awesome news....I'm pretty sure I have found fishbutt v2.......more to come.

Did the guy down here in I-town call you back?

[turbosnow]

yes he did indeed they are searching for the title but he agreed to the price......woot

[lotar_6]

very cool! And it's a bit bigger of a canvas for the artist to work with!

[ReZPunK]

vanagon maybe? hrm.....;)

[turbosnow]

Nope nopt even a vw but is does start with a v....

[ReZPunK]

oh! its a vag.....nah it cant be...

volvo maybe :D

[turbosnow]

ding ding.....'84 volvo 240 wagon.....with a 5 speed....

[useanimagination]

ding ding.....'84 volvo 240 wagon.....with a 5 speed....

the car is pure sex.

[turbosnow]

well if you fold the back seats down...........

[boostin20v]

I think next year we need another fastdubs team.

[evolveVW]

the car is pure sex.

Be careful how you use that statement.... its usually reserved for Aston DB9s and other gorgeous, perfectly executed cars.
:p

[ReZDoG]

Just an Update.. I drove Fishbutt from Old Town Maine to Dalton NH this past weekend.. 440 miles round trip with no issues.. I think I've worked out the bugs.. just gotta fix the Exhaust gasket......suspension......and it might pass inpection.. :D

[shortbus]

wooot. Good luck with the inspection.

[turbosnow]

440 miles is barely breaking a sweat now you gott drive her down here and hang out :)

[USOPHUNKE]

no chance ya wanna mail back my cd I left in the deck???

[ReZPunK]

so that was YOUR Barry Manilow CD.... :)

[USOPHUNKE]

hehe...funny