I'll give that a whirl.  I suppose the opposite of the technique might work
too.  If I suspect the fuel pump isn't getting power intermittently, then I
could pull the wires off the fuel pump - attach a multi-meter to them - turn
the key over several times and see if I ever get a "no power" reading...
then I could rule out the fuel pump

good to know there are cheaper fuel pumps out there!

Mark
1990 Westy 2.1 manual

On Wed, Jul 29, 2009 at 4:22 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <
scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:

> hi Mark,
> the fuel pumps I've priced out were not 400 bucks, closer to half that.
> They last just amazingly well.
> it's hard for me to put on a new one with 5 used ones around.
>
> if you suspect the wiring to the fuel pump , why not just temporarily
> supply power to it yourself, from a good source somewhere in the van ?
>
> there's no steering wheel column wire that could affect the fuel pump, but
> 'all sorts of things' get traced to a worn out electrical part of the
> ignition switch.
>
> oh......here's one.......
> had this myself, 84 Wolfsburg Westy ..............driving at 60 or 70, it
> would 'loose power' for about 1.5 seconds, then pick up and go fine again,
> until the next time.
> I was suspicious of the air flow meter ......
> don't know if it was shutting of fuel injection or fuel pump ........but as
> soon as the van slowed 2 mph due to lack of engine producing power.......
> the sweeper would make contact again, and we'd be up and producing power
> again.
> new air flow meter fixed that.
> Any time there is an interface between electronics and something mechanical
> ..........that's an inherently weak spot. Air Flow Meter is a prime example.
>
> but I'd just supply my own juice to the fuel pump for a test, to see if
> it's intermittent, or the signal to it is.
> Scott
> www.turbovans.com
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Brush" <mbrush@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 11:27 AM
> Subject: intermittent fuel pump
>
>
>
>  Hi all -
>>
>> I searched the archives and didn't find anything on this.  Has anyone
>> experienced an intermittent problem with their fuel pump?  Sometimes it
>> pumps (that little buzzing sound when the keys are turned over), sometimes
>> it doesn't (no sound, and won't start).  I think it goes out while I'm
>> driving too (van bucks - power loss).  Are there are prime suspects in
>> this
>> case?  A loose wire in the steering column somewhere?  Bad ignition
>> switch?
>> I don't want to think badly of the fuel pump, since that little fella is a
>> $400 or more item.
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> Mark
>>
>> --
>> Mark
>> 1990 Westy (2.1 - manual)
>>
>
>

--
Mark
1990 Westy (2.1 - manual)