Looks as if the fuel flows right through the pump motor itself. Not
sure what keeps it from igniting, unless it's just the lack of oxygen.
On further examination, it seems the problem with mine was just a tiny
bit of corrosion keeping the impeller from turning.

On 7/25/07, Don Spence <dkspence@telus.net> wrote:
> Anthony has posted a photo of a disassembled pump. Can someone
> explain how this pumps fuel? Are the innards immersed in the fuel as
> it transits the pump? what provides the pumping action?
>
>
>
> > Date:    Tue, 24 Jul 2007 10:05:33 -0500
> > From:    Anthony Kimmons <akimmons@GMAIL.COM>
> > Subject: Re: Vapor lock? Static electricity? Help!
> >
> > I just cut open my fuel pump that was new, but had been sitting in my
> > van (installed) for a couple of years. Wondered what had made it stop
> > working.
> >
> > Posted a picture here if anyone is interested-
> > http://www.anthonykimmons.com/vanagon
> >
> > I could  see nothing wrong with it. Looked pretty new. Seemed clean,
> > but would not turn.
> > Still not sure what caused it to fail.
>