Ghost in the [fuel pump] Machine, Ej22

[LiveFreeOrDie]

Samba friends-
I recently purchased an ej22 1985 Westy and there is a "ghost" in the fuel pump circuit. I have a fairly good understanding of wiring schematics and have read a lot here and on the Yahoo group. However I still need help figuring out this cruxy wiring thing.

The symptoms would suggest an old and sticky relay (replaced with new). It is extremely intermitted and I can't seem to find and pattern: Hot start, Cold start, jiggling wires, sometimes the fuel pump will be fine, sometimes it takes a many on/offs of the ignition before you can hear the pump go on and I can then turn over starter/engine.

I replaced the relay but it didn't seem to help the symptoms at all. Now I am not sure where to start looking. I know that the fuel pump relay shares wires from the ignitor, ECU, and Ignition system, but I don't know where to start to look for continuity with multi-meter.

The harness was supposedly a product of the famous Tom Shields of Quebec, so hopefully someone here is versed in his fabrication and where relay wires physically junction other ignition wires so I can check continuity on those points. Its hard for me to interpret schematics and find where on the harness the features are. Or I hoping to get some other suggestions. Sorry to be so long winded and confusing, but I hope someone here can help me. Thanks, thanks, and thanks.

[tschroeder0]

replace your ignition switch , it should solve the issue, also check the connections at the pump itself, they get crappy quick.

[Syncro Jael]

X2 on the ignition switch.
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat)

[LiveFreeOrDie]

Ok, right on. I will it check tomorrow.

To be more specific on symptoms, when the pump doesn't go on I can still crank the motor. It will just crank and crank until I turn they key all the way off and on again, sometimes many times.. I checked pump connection and its crisp and new. So weird.

[Syncro Jael]

Once you receive your new switch you can test it by removing the plastic steering shaft cover, unplugging the wiring from the old ignition switch, plug in the new one, then carefully turn the new ignition switch to hear for the fuel pump. If for some reason that is not your problem it saved you the labor of tearing down the steering column.

It will also let you see how easily our vans are to hotwire and drive away.

But it sure sounds like worn connections in the switch.
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat)

[LiveFreeOrDie]

Thanks dudes.

I am going to check the switch now using this:

http://cabby-info.com/OldBlue/files/Vanagon-ReplacingIgnitionSwitch.pdf

I have dealt with switches before in my other westy ('86) and my gut tells me it more to do with the pump wiring circuit because there is still current in the ignition circuit i.e. starter and all other ignition circuits EXCEPT for the pump. Does this still sound consistent with the switch?
I will report on my ignition switch findings in about an hour or two.

[LiveFreeOrDie]

I checked old ignition switch and it tested good. I replaced with new spare that I have. Problem continues. ...

[supdude]

Following. Did you ever fix it? I'm having the same issue.
_________________
['83 EJ22]
LED LIGHT KITS! To illuminate your Vanagon or Westfalia!
The Rise of SURFMACHINE!
VanagonLEDs.com

[wesitarz]

Supdude. Check for voltage at the fuel pump relay. With ign off you should have one constant B+, with ign on you should have the same B+ as well as ign+,+ to the ECU and + to the fuel pump. You may have intermittent B+ so can check your alt/starter to B+ post in junction box wiring,and check B+ fuse. If no ign+ check ign+ fuse and ign switch. Check fuel pump ground.