My mechanical fuel pump theory

[dfuehrer]

This is my theory, and I'm sticking with it!

Last Sunday, my Spider again left me on the side of the road AGAIN. The brass output tube I had glued back in with JB Weld was still in place, this time it was the OTHER brass tube (fuel inlet side) on the pump that had fallen out. Gas was pouring out beneath the car. I ended up losing about 1/3 of a tank of hi-test on the road before I could get the car home again.

I believe that my car was running too hot. Just past 190 mark. I discovered that I was about 1/2 gallon low on anti-freeze. After gluing in the inlet tube with JB Weld, I filled the radiator and overflow bottle with 50/50. As I test drove the car to ensure that all was again well, I noticed that it was no longer running as warm. Now it runs just BEFORE the 190 mark on the gauge.

So my theory is this: I believe that the engine was running hot enough, that the metal in the pump casting, and the metal in the tubes expanded just enough, at different rates to allow the tubes to simply fall out...

That's my theory, and I'm sticking to it! At any rate, if the pump fails me again I'll be finding a mechanic this time.

[TX82FIAT]

Very intertesting theory. The copper is a softer metal subject to more kenetic energy when heated causing expansion. the metals do expand at different rates so aluminum would expand faster and iron or steel would expand very little. I would think the amount of heat required to cause enough expansion for the joint to come undone on a fuel line presents some real safety issues if indeed it is getting that hot in the area. Any other fuel delivery issues, hesitation. Pressure of the fuel with a limited amount of obstruction could also contribute to the joint failure.

I say this with true safety in mind. Have a fire extinguisher handy in the unlikely event that high heat, fuel line issues, electricals and engine decide to throw a curve ball.

[124JOE]

that all sounds right,thats why i glued minewith jb weld.