My SU fuel pump is rather HOT....!

[an_avenger]

I seem to have some more fuel problems - After re-newing the fuel line and forking out for a new fuel pump this summer seems to give yet more fuel problems. I live on the southcoast and this summer is rather hot...I MEAN very HOT!!!! I was putting down Portsdown Hill quite happily until the old girl started choking - she suddenly died. I lifted the bonnet (which was like an oven) and after inspection I found my float chamber dry and and my in-line fuel filter empty! But what was quite interesting was the fuel pump was roasting hot....I couldn't wrap my hand around it because it was so hot? What is happening? Is my manifold and exhaust warming it up (if so it's a design fault), can I prevent this with heat sinks or whatever. Or is it something more serious?

[Willie]

Lo, it would seem likely that your petrol had vapourized....no unknown
on the Minor as the pump and fuel lines are situated over the exhaust.
If it had vapourized you should have heard the fuel pump ticking away
like mad as it pumped vapour instead of liquid? This problem is made
more likely if you are running on unleaded! Mr Grumpy( in the mag
adverts) sells a simple kit which should deflect some of the heat away
from the pump and pipe AND the Float Chamber. "Tuning 72"
mentioned elsewhere that you can fit a heat shield (as on the MGBs)
to isolate the carb area from the exhaust manifold. I do not know
of a supplier for the Minor but someone should start producing one
as soon as possible!! it consists of a layer of Asbestos type material
on a steel sheet. Perhaps you could make one?
Willie

[an_avenger]

Cheers matey, thats a damn good idea - i have tonnes of aluminium sheeting around I will make one (once I have the patent I'll go for a joint venture)

[an_avenger]

I found out what it was, my union nut connecting the fuel tank to line wasn't tight and was sucking in air! Cured!