Fuel Pump Failed

[Hunchkipper]

Hi - I'm new to this blogin so excuse my lack of know-how.
I've just dug out my old 325i convertible (hard top fitted) which has been stored for 8+ years. The car had MOT and worked well when I stored it - one owner 65,000 miles all original - a beauty. A new battery turned the car over but no go! AA guy suggested the fuel pump not working. Before I go to the trouble of figuring out how to buy and fit fuel pump, any suggestions? Having found where it is I intended to tap top of fuel pump with a hammer while turning engine over. If I need a new fuel pump, which one for a 1990 325i convertible E30.
Thanks for any help.

[iceox]

Fuel pump is under rear seat, if the fuel pump is working you'll hear it when you turn it over, change the fuel filter first though

[Grrrmachine]

The AA man may have SUGGESTED that the fuel pump isn't working, but you need to be a bit more thorough when you're talking about a 25 year old car that's been off the road for 8 years.

You need to confirm fuel is or isn't getting to the fuel rail. Simplest thing would be to take off the fuel hose at the fuel filter, tuck it into a bottle and then turn the engine over. If fuel doesn't pump, then either your fuel pump's not pumping or your tank is empty.

From there, get access to the fuel pump and put a bulb across the terminals, and crank again. If the bulb glows, you know the pump's getting power and that it probably is the pump at fault.

For more info, check the Wiki:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... oubleshoot

[andyp]

after 8 years I would of thought the fuel in the car would be jelled and naff

[milescook]

Jesus 8 years without being started? I see threads here about what you need to do to gently bring an engine back to life for periods far shorter than that...

Isn't there a wiki article yet Grr?

[Hunchkipper]

Thanks for all replies - I should have told more, in that the fuel in tank was intentionally all but empty when I laid up car 8+ yrs ago and tyres were let down to half (3 of 4 have survived very well), I know I should have done more with engine but not being a techy it's not easy. The AA man lives down road (don't really know him) but was kind enough use his portable battery and car turned over but no noise from pump. I put a new gallon petrol in but maybe should have drained any residual before, or perhaps should have left tank open for petrol to evaporate.
I'll try suggestions - thanks to all

[Hunchkipper]

Many thanks - will try all this Tuesday. If the fuel is 'jelled' as earlier contributor suggests, do you think the petrol I poured in last week would just sit on top and be OK?
Also, if fuel pump has to be taken out would I need to drain tank (new petrol about gallon) beforehand for safety sake or can it be removed and replaced without doing so - I heard the 5mm plug on fuel tank can strip on old cars if I try to remove - but if I leave petrol I don't drain fuel want to go up with the car if there's a spark!
Ta