Speed of Fuel Pump changes up and down very noticeably and erratically
Possible Causes:
If your Fuel Pump is
changing speed and acting erratically, your issue could be a loose
terminal or a failed circuit in your Fuel Pump wiring.
Possible Solutions:
Check the voltage to your fuel pump at the power terminals. If the
voltage is steady and consistent (within ½ Volt of battery) then contact
Fuelab for repair. If voltage is inconsistent as described, repair or
replace the electrical components as needed.
Loss of fuel pressure or erratic pressure pulsation after several minutes of Fuel Pump operation
Possible Causes:
One possible and most
common issue of fuel pressure loss or erratic fuel pressure pulsation is
often cavitation or otherwise known as vapor lock, due to overheating
or restricted inlet.
Possible Solutions:
Check
the temperature of pump right after failure. If pump is hot to touch
(cannot leave hand on pump due to it being too hot, or above 120°F),
then look for sources of heat such as exhaust or fuel rail mountings
that could be conducting too much heat. If pump is not hot to the touch,
check for inlet restrictions such as improperly vented tank, kinks in
the fuel line, or too small of plumbing for application. Contact Fuelab,
as pump may be damaged due to improper operating condition for repair
or consultation. Consider speed control scheme to allow pump to operate
at reduced speeds during long periods of operation under low demand.
Contact Fuelab for more details.
Leakage of fuel at inlet or outlet fuel ports in Fuel Pump
Possible Causes:
Improper type of fitting used for fuel system.
Possible Solutions:
If leakage occurs at fitting, be sure that the proper fitting style
is used (AN o-ring seal type ONLY!) Pipe threaded style fittings are
NOT to be used with Fuelab fuel pumps. If proper style of fittings are
being used, be sure that o-ring is being used on fitting orreplace o-ring.
Leakage of fuel at inlet and outlet ports
Possible Causes:
Damage to 37 degree flare of male fitting ends.
Possible Solutions:
Inspect for damage and replace if necessary.
Leakage of fuel at filter body and inlet/outlet
Possible Causes:
Loose assembly of inlet/outlet to body. Damaged o-ring.
Possible Solutions:
Make sure that inlet and outlet are tightened to between 13-17
Ft/lbs. Inspect o-rings for any possible damage. Replace as needed.
Fuel Pump with internal controller not operating or slight "clicking" sound when turned on
Possible Causes:
Faulty fuel pump relay. Faulty, dirty, or corroded terminals or
improperly sized wire. Debris from tank or plumbing lodged inside pump.
Possible Solutions:
Check voltage to controller, at power terminals. If voltage is
steady and consistent (within 1/2 Volt of battery) then contact Fuelab
for assistance or repair. If voltage is inconsistent as described,
repair or replace electrical components as required.
Fuel Pump with external controller is not operating or "clicking" sound when turned on
Possible Causes:
If your Fuel Pump that is
controlled by an external controller is not operating correctly or is
making a clicking sound, your issue could be poor wiring quality or poor
connections between pump and controller (motor phase wiring) or a
warranty issue with the pump.
Possible Solutions:
Check all motor phase
wiring connections. DC Brushless Fuel Pump wiring is especially
sensitive to resistance. Please contact Fuelab for any issues with
warranties on your Fuelab Fuel Pump.
Fuel Pump not building fuel pressure
Possible Causes:
The possible issue with your fuel pump not building fuel pressure can
be due to an incorrect fuel system initial priming procedure.
Possible Solutions:
To fix the issue of your fuel pump not building pressure, loosen
your inlet fittings or leaking plumbing on inlet side (letting in air)
repeat this procedure for proper priming. If condition continues, check
all plumbing upstream (on inlet side) of fuel pump.
Fuel Pump is operating in a reverse flow direction
Possible Causes:
The possible issue for your Fuel Pump operating in a reverse flow direction is improper motor phase wiring order.
Possible Solutions:
Swap two of the three motor phase wires with each other (leave the
third wire connected). Any two of the three wires can be swapped, color
does not matter.
Fuel Pressure Regulator does not hold pressure after engine is shut off
Possible Causes:
A potential issue in this case could be a lack of check valve to
prevent flow back thru the pump and into the tank or poor seating of
regulator diaphragm.
Possible Solutions:
Verify that the fuel pump has a check valve. If not, we recommend and
external check valve to hold line pressure. If bleed down continues,
contact FUELAB for further assistance.
Fuel Pressure Regulator does not build pressure
Possible Causes:
Fuel Pressure Regulator plumbed incorrectly. Faulty fuel pump. Faulty pressure gauge.
Possible Solutions:
Verify that the Fuel Pressure Regulator is plumbed properly. Bypass
style and blocking style have opposite inlet/outlet configurations.
Verify that the fuel pump is able to build enough flow to open diaphragm
or poppet assembly. Verify fuel pressure gauge is in working order.
Fuel Pressure is unstable
Possible Causes:
Air induction into fuel, faulty fuel pump.
Possible Solutions:
Check for loose fittings at all points in the system. Ensure the
return line to the tank is not splash filling into the inlet area of the
fuel pump. Use an extension from the top of the fuel cell or fuel tank
to approximately 1/2" from bottom, being careful to not restrict return
line. Verify pump is in working order.
Fuel pressure drops off under heavy engine load
Possible Causes:
Fuel pressure drop can be
caused by incorrect wiring of your Fuelab speed control, a loose
terminal or wiring or insufficient fuel capacity.
Possible Solutions:
To fix your fuel pressure drop, make sure that your fuel pump is
operating at full speed while under high engine load. Check your voltage
to fuel pump and at the power terminals. If your fuel pump voltage is
steady and consistent (within ½ Volt of battery) then contact Fuelab for
support. If your fuel pump voltage is inconsistent as described, you
will want to repair or replace some electrical components as required.
If condition continues, an upgraded pump capacity may be required.
Please contact Fuelab for any further questions!
Fuel Pressure Drop
Possible Causes:
Dirty Filters!
Possible Solutions:
Replace filters as needed. Inspect at least annually for debris.
Changes in fuel pump pitch may indicate restrictions that require
immediate attention.
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