[Vwdiesel] VE pump problem

[sandy cameron]

Well, after 2 sessions in the marginally heated shop, (wood stove, 0* 
outside) I am convinced the vanes are stuck.

If I "feed" it by gravity, it runs fine, sounds good, , but does not 
attempt to transfer pump fuel.

Obviously it pumped a little to get me home, abt half an hour drive, slowly.

Today, I sucked it full of fuel with the vacuum pump, and it smiled and 
performed as if nothing was wrong,  but there was very little 
"transferring" going on. Eventually we were back to the starvation mode.

My next act will be the IV drip (douche bag:-) ) 1 gallon jug with feed 
and return lines, hung from the hood, and a witches brew of diesel, ATF, 
and some kind of diesel purge squirrel juice and just let it run high 
idle until something happens. A gallon at fast idle should last an hour 
or more.

No signs of any leaks, sprocket shaft is dry and dusty (seal good)

The fact that this car has never had any pump issues in 300,000km 
(187000 miles), and on the day of, flew 30 miles like a homesick angel, 
then crapped out after being parked for an hour in an awkward position, 
says something inside is amiss.

The symptoms point directly to the transfer pump vanes which still 
function in a feeble manner.

Obviously, I would like to "heal" it without removing it from the car, 
and the weather says "wait til spring".
I have at least 2 known-good pumps on the shelf, and a change is not 
rocket science. (diss-assembly, clean and reassemble is another story).

Also, my son's '90 A2 is wintering in the driveway while he beats around 
in MY A3 1.9!=-O

So, if I can not heal it with my "naturopath" methods, I may leave it 
until warmer weather.

Thanks all for the advice, I think I know where I am headed.

73,
Sandy,
VE3AAC.
I remember Hagar. (RIP)

And yes Bud, I have HF here, but the balun on the tri-bander has fallen 
off, leaving me with 75 and 40:-(

I'm 80 years old and tower gymnastics is no longer my forte!