We had numerous problems with the original pump cutting in and out and a replacement is £160+ here in Scotland , this was fitted to my 1997 Mini cooper 1.3 MPI . So we decided to fit an Original Walbro pump (£70) (Made in the USA).
This does require some Modding but its very simple and straight forward. I got my dad who has been a mechanic for over 40 years to go through the process and i photographed the stages.
The first thing is to either drain the tank or run it as low as you can. Then remove the tank as per the haynes manual then remove the pump assembly from the top of the tank.
Remove the old pump from the pipes doesnt matter if you break the clips as you wont be reusing.
Dont tug like hell at the wiring the clips must be removed in a specific way
Using a pointed tool put it in the small hole in the clip to release the locking tab as seen above
Unlock both tabs and remove wiring
The clips are of 2 different sizes the positive is the smaller clip (red wire, left in the image) . The earth is the larger (black wire,right in the image)
Now using the Supplied wiring loom solder the clips onto the correct wire
Now connect the new wiring loom to the pump assembly, Remember small connection is red wire and black connection is the larger clip
now wrap the wiring around the Fuel feed pipe and remember to slide the sound insulation sleeve up the same pipe before fitting the actual pump.
Now a small modification must be made to the fuel feed pipe to allow the new pump to fit.
Cut it just above the small brass ring
This allows the new pump to fit with its small piece of tubing supplied in the kit, so fit the pump with its tubing to the frame and to the modified feed pipe and remember to put the rubber boot onto the pump.
Once this is in place you need to fit the filter strainer to the bottom of the pump but further mods are required to allow the filter to lock on
you must cut the bottom bracket to allow a better fit using snips
push filter till you feel it lock , now place the small locking ring on the back tab and push into place using a 5mm socket
now lean the assembled pump into the tank
and Job done !
Now just fit the nuts and put the tank back into the car as per the haynes manual remember orange tagged hose to orange ring on the tank!
The pump is extremely quiet in operation and be careful of fake walbro pumps ours was purchased from Driven2automotive on Ebay and on on inspection is the real deal
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151140209343?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
eBay item number:
151140209343
hopefully this will help you save some cash and shows you that it is a very simple operation
Thanks for the guide. My fuel pump died stranding us and had it towed to a Mini specialist who happened to be nearby. He got it "working" unusually quickly without changing the pump saying it was fine and then, sure enough, it died on me near my home, stranding me again. Towed it to my regular mechanic and they ended up installing the wrong pump twice. With both new pumps, the car was barely driveable lots of hesitation and missfire.
ReplyDeleteAnother mechanic discovered the 1st new pump was only a 1 bar pump and told me I needed at least a 2.5 bar. Took it back to have them swap pumps without charge to me and told them I needed a pump which output 2.5 to 3 bar. By now I was getting quite pessimistic and sure enough the car still was running with lots of hesitation and miss firing with the new replacement pump, though very slightly better.
Out of frustration and lots of googling, I found your guide and ordered the pump from the ebay seller in your link. Pulled out the 2nd pump to discover it's a tiny, Walbro 5ca401, 2 bar rated pump and followed your nicely put together guide to install the new Walbro 255lph pump myself. Car finally runs without miss fire, but it looks like I need to adjust the pressure regulator as it doesn't feel or sound dialled in. I have an adjustable fuel pressure regulator on my car, but no pressure gauge handy and have blindly adjusted it the best I can without a gauge. So, am waiting for a pressure gauge to arrive. Hopefully, I can finally get this mess sorted! This ordeal has lasted months. Wish I found your guide sooner.
Many Thanks,
Jason
Very nice post..Thanks for sharing such a valuable information.
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