I jumped the pump relay and the car started after a bit of
cranking and seems to run fine now. I removed the jumper
expecting the car to die, but it kept running fine. It now
starts with no problems without the jumper, but I really
didn't do anything that should have fixed it. I'm
wondering if the real problem is is as simple as a plugged
up fuel filter that caused the pump to overwork during the
hard driving. Is it possible that the few seconds the pump
runs when you first turn the key on was not enough to prime
the system with a plugged filter, and when I bypassed the
pump relay, enough fuel got to the injectors? I didn't
have a filter to replace it with, but that will be next on
the to do list. I also found in the IAP Spider shop manual
a description of the pump operation that didn't make sense.
It said that the tank pump runs with the key in the run
position and the main pump runs while cranking and once
started via the ECU. The pumps are wired in parallel and
both only run for a few seconds when the key is turned to
the run position. If this was my car, I'd be a bit nervous
taking it too far from home. Anyone have any ideas?
Dick Stachowiak East Syracuse, NY
71 Sider 71 GTV 31 Alfa Replicar
I am thinking that replacing the fuel filter would be a splendid
idea. Mine never hiccuped for 22 years - then thrice this year. I
replaced all the fuel stuff ( filter, both pumps, all rubber hoses ).