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Sun Sep 21, 2003 7:12 pm

I was told the fuel pump on my dune buggy should squirt about 5 to 6 feet with the engine cranking, mine only squirts about 6 to 12 inches. I pulled the fuel pump and found the push rod extends a quarter of an inch above the flange. My Bentley service manual says it should be 13mm or a half an inch above the flange. I thought this might be causing the fuel pump output to be low. However, I was told that because I have an alternator my fuel pump requires the shorter push rod. The Bentley manual makes no distinction concerning alternator or generator. It seems the longer push rod would increase the pump stroke, increasing the fuel flow. Will using the longer push rod damage my engine? I'm new to VW's as you can probably tell and would greatly appreciate any help. Thank you in advance.

Mon Sep 22, 2003 6:19 am

It's hard to totally trust the Bentley all the time, because there's no telling what's happened to your motor in the past.

Since you have an alternator, you have a shorter pump rod, which matches the fuel pump. You risk damage if you put the longer fuel pump rod on there, while retaining the 'short rodded' fuel pump. It's kinda hard to understand, until you see both fuel pumps side by side.

Why do you suspect your fuel pump is bad? 12" isn't really a great shot from a fuel pump, but if your starter was turning the motor over slow, 12" might be expected. Do you have gas in your oil? This is a sure sign of a ruptured fuel-pump diaphram. Or, try another fuel pump, but be sure to bring your old one with you. While you're at the store, ask to see both fuel pumps (alternator, and generator) and you'll see the difference.

Mon Sep 22, 2003 2:08 pm

I am having trouble getting my engine to run right, sputters and misses. I posted before and was given various suggestions such as manifold leaks, bigger jets, plugging the hole in the accelerator butterfly, adjusting the accelerator pump and I was told my fuel pump should squirt out about 5 to 6 feet when disconnected from the carb. I have a 1641 dual port with a 009 dist. and a 34pict3 carb. I've made vast improvements, but it is still not right. had hoped the fuel pump might be the problem, I've checked and tried everything else sugested. I'm about ready to give up.