g5o

Whomever doesn't have AAA Plus... upgrade now. I did just last week, and guess what? I'm about 115 miles from home when my engine dies.

I was making a left turn, downshifting from 3rd to 2nd and flump; the engine cuts off. I coasted off the road and shut her down. Turn the key again and I have all power and the starter engages. Turns over and over and over...but nothing. Distributor and plug wires appear to be okay. Tired rolling her and popping the clutch...nothing. A fellow PCA-er said it probably is the fuel pump as he had the same symptoms recently and that did the trick. All fuses in the trunk are intact.

For troubleshooting, I will be testing per the Bentley manual. Do you guys have any other suggestions (other than the fuel pump)? I'm not looking forward to getting under that skid plate again...

* Regular AAA membership will tow you (7) miles w/o charge. However, with AAA Plus, you (100) miles and AAA Premiere you get (200). I got lucky!

theiceman

make sure you try the fuel pump relay first. It would be a drag to crawl under the car and realize the fix was right in the trunk.

( I carry 2 spare relays, a black and a red. )

g5o

I'm definitely going to put together a kit of not only tools, but parts for situations like this. I'll start with the relays. Water pump isn't cheap! Thanks Ice.

autobonrun

In addition to the relay, confirm the fuel pump fuse is not blown or the connection loose. Even check the wire connections to the top and bottom of the fuse holder. If you're not sure the fuse is good, just swap it for a quick check. I've had one that was cracked but appeared good by visual inspection.

yogi

I also had a fuel pump fuse that looked good. When I removed it the ceramic starting crumbling.

Jerry Baer
87 coupe

theiceman

For spares I carry a full tool kit, air compressor, fan belt, two relays, fuses, clutch cable, mag light and spare batteries. A rag, plastic gloves from my wifes hair colour kit, a couple of band aids and a couple of 20 dollar bills. Anything other than that and they can tow the thing.

ice

imcarthur

Mine died the same way. Just rounded a turn onto an expressway ramp & dead. I assumed gas, then relay & finally tested the fuel pump using the method in the Bentley. It 'thunked' on contact but didn't pump.

Easy fix.

Ian

g5o

Appreciate the comments. I have fuses and relay on the way (extra to carry too). I'm putting together a kit now, except I don't have a wife with a hair-coloring kit.

The fuel pump may be an easy fix, but it's like $300 on Pelican. Seen some on eBay under $200. Should I only go with Bosch if its the pump?

theiceman

Just grab a pair of thin rubber gloves like they use in a lab or hospital and jamb them into a kindr surprise container.. perfect, throw away when done...

g5o

What is the difference between the red and the black? Do they both go in the same place? The red is specifically for the fuel pump and the black is multifunction? If multifunction, what else can it be used for? Thanks.

theiceman

I wondered the same thing, and then thought "don't mess with success". My car has a red and a black, so now I carry a red and a black. for the cost of them it is hardly worth worrying about.

g5o

On Pelican it is listed when you do a part search as "Relay, Fog Lamps, Horn, etc., Black round, 911 (1969-89)..." But it's listed in the category "Factory External Oil Cooler Parts & Mounting Hardware." Go figure. You're right - for $15 or so, it's WORTH IT.

autobonrun

The red relay has a diode. I believe between pins 85 and 86 if my memory is correct. The purpose of the diode is to protect solid state and other electronics from noise and inductive kickback when the pump turns on and off. An inductive load (e.g motor) creates a inductive voltage spike when the magnetic field forms (pump running) and collapses (pump stops). The other loads with the black relays are primarily either solid state like the radio or resistive like lights. I don't think other motors like the footwell blowers, fans, etc. have a red relay but it would not hurt if they did.

You can replace a black relay with a red relay however, you should replace a red relay in kind. However, in a pinch, the black relay would work. You can always stick the A/C or power window relay in place of the fuel pump relay if you're stranded.

However, I keep one of each in my car for spares.

g5o

You can't be any more informative than that! Many thanks!!!

theiceman

So have you confirmed your problem yet ? or should I say have you confirmed a solution !