[Vwdiesel] VE pump problem

[sandy cameron]

I can't remember if I have ever asked for help on this forum before, 
even tho I have been here for years.

Cutting to the chase, My trusty, but venerable 1989 1.6 TD has suddenly 
developed a pump problem.

On Friday, 16 Jan, I ventured north west  from Stittsville, near Ottawa, 
to Arnprior, about 25 miles NW from here.

The trip was uneventful (except for the arctic temperatures, What a 
great little heater she has!) at speeds around 60 mph.
A couple of times I found myself creeping above that, and had to ease 
off to avoid velocity taxes eagerly collected by our provincial 
government, who's premier refers to us as "revenue tools".

Arriving at destination,  I parked in a steep driveway, nose up, and 
spent an hour delivering an old 2 metre ham rig, setting it up, and 
making a few local contacts.

The owner and I then headed out to a local coffee shop to celebrate. I 
started up normally, backed down the lane into the street, and drove off.

I quickly noticed the car was not behaving properly, it would idle 
normally, and run a street speeds,but topped out at about 2800rpm. (no  
tach).
The "top-out " felt like fuel starvation.

I made it home at 45-50mph max, on the level and down hill, and 
struggled up the hills at about 30mph. The "fuel starvation was 
consistent, and  the speed varied with the load.

My fuel system is plumbed with clear tubing, so the diagnosis developed 
quickly. The filters were all ok and fuel flowed freely right  out of 
the OEM filter.  Yet, the transfer pump in the injection pump would not 
suck fuel.

As always, with fuel delivery issues, I rigged my specially designed "IV 
drip" apparatus, feeding the pump directly. Even with the supply jug 
elevated above the pump, fuel would not flow.

I cracked the inlet banjo bolt, and fuel gushed out by gravity.

The obstruction or defect is INSIDE THE PUMP!!

It may be mechanical, like a spring or lever in the governor section, 
but that would not affect the fuel flow.

The car had behaved completely normal up to being  parked nose-up, and 
went in to the partial fail mode as soon as it was next moved. (an hour 
later)

On the half-hour return journey, it behaved normally, except it could 
not go faster than 50 mph, and drooped on hill ascents.

It was NOT icing or Gelling, because it was thoroughly warmed up to 
normal temperature. and the blockage is internal to the pump, as proved 
by the fuel douche bag.

How does the pump internal pressure control work? is it a bypass return, 
spring control valve?

What could happen in the transfer pump that would cause it to quit from 
being parked nose-up?  Or, just being shut off for an hour and then 
re-started?

I have a couple of pumps here I can swap in, but I'm fishing for a 
"simple, stupid" solution.

James, I'm counting on you>