Hello, I started the 328 the other day and noticed a spot of fuel in front of the drivers side rear wheel adjacent to the fuel tank beneath the car. After inspecting this I discoverd this rubber boot (as best as I could tell) on the end of this cylindrical shape object, also learned this is the fuel pump... Can anyone shed some light on this. I have discovered some threads via search but would like to discuss this. Thanks. John.
A friend of mine has an 'i' with a leaky fuel pump as well. Last I heard he was trying to find a 'cheap fix' as the original fuel pumps are hard/expensive/if not impossible to get a hold of.
Fuel pump can be found, it is a Bosch part #69532. Rock Auto has them and other places as well. Do a Google search to find the best price. While you are in there, might as well replace the fuel accumulator. I found Autohaus Arizona to have them, part number 0438170004. I purchased one a year ago from them at $160.44 each. These are easy to change. The most difficult part is draining the fuel from the tank so the fuel hose running to the fuel pump can be disconnected. After that there are three nuts to be removed and the plate holding the fuel pump and accumulator comes off. Disconnect the fuel line going to the fuel filter and they come out together.
To drain the fuel you can pump it out. Find the return pipe that goes from the CIS distribution head (next to the air filter) back to the RH fuel tank. There is a rubber link in that line which you can disconnect (it will spill a little fuel when you do so have the paper towels handy). Connect some 8mm fuel line to the pipe (on the CIS head side!) & put the other end in a Jerry can. Pull the blue connector on top of the CIS head & switch the ignition on & it will start the fuel pump & you can just pump the tanks out. You'll hear the pump run dry at which point switch it off quickly. If you jack up the RHS of the car a few inches before you start you will get more out. Caveat is obviously that in this case, of the pump is leaking badly, this may not be such a good way to do it! Then just disconnect the big hose at the tank with a basin undeneath to catch the last pint or so. Good time to change that hose - don't bother with the one Ferrari supply at $75 or whatever it is - 5/8 ID low pressure hose - Aeroquip 1525-10 is what I used on my 328. The Ferrari hose is useless, it won't handle the bend. Also replace the braided hose that goes from the accumulator up the fuel filter (NLA that one, had to have it made by Pirtek & they had to re-use one of the fittings because its an odd-ball). Also replace the fuel filter and, indeed the rubber links in the bridge pipes between the tanks as well if you can stretch to that. There will still be fuel in the bridge pipe even after you drain the tanks - but there is a drain plug in the middle of the pipe. Ideally do all this outside (or at least in a well vented area) & have a fire extinguisher handy.
All my fuel lines have been changed already bout 2 years ago.. Seems pretty straight forward, my biggest concern is the draining of the fuel... I'm just about full per gauge.. Thanks for the procedure to do so... Gonna look into the parts now. The Ferrari is an 1989 328. More input from others wil certainly boost my motivation to tackle this myself. Well I always wanted to do more than change my oil and here it is...
Ok, I found both parts are Autohaus: Bosch Fuel Pump part # 69532 on-sale $ 258.14 Bosch Accumulator part # 0438170004 on-sale $90.79 Got the 2nd day ship and I'm on my way.... Can I drain the tanks in the meantime? Thanks, John. ps: I think I'll get the Redline 75W-90NS gear oil and take care of that while I'm at it too...
Hello BigTex, According to the microfiche "Fuel Pump and Pipes", yes there is a drain plug closest to the passenger tank. I'll have to check it out... Thanks for the heads-up. That would be a HUGE help !! John.
Yes there is , but unless you own a lift its not a very practical solution (especially if you have a lot of gas in the tanks! ) Using the fuel pump to empty the tank is quick, clean, safe & controllable. Other option is just to syphon the bulk of it out but you might need to get the car up in the air a bit to empty the tank like that.
As an electrician, I have a nervous avoidance to open gas fumes and an operating electrical device!!! LOL! You are right in a well ventilated space it'd be okay..... You are also correct dropping the plug I mention might drain the whole 16 gallons, if both tanks are full.... Glad to help!
Wow, those prices are good. Just bought another accumulator for the heck of it. I would think that would fail before the fuel pump because it functions with a rubber bladder. With the alcohol containing fuel I must use, it may not last 20 years.
Well while I wait for my parts I'm educating myself here. THANKS !! I must say that I'm an automotive technician in oil changes and tinking with my dirt bikes growing up. So this task is a big deal for me. Even though its pretty striaght fwd. I know that once getting the fuel out is accomplished I'm home free....Almost. I like the CIS idea, but have not found the "blue" rubber plug. Do I remove the airbox? Thanks..
Hi JohnnyS, I decided to have the work done by Jim McGee at Pocono Sport cars in Shohola, PA. Maybe, my first job shouldnt be draining 12 plus gallons of fuel and more so, I just couldnt bring myself to get under the car on jack stands. Even with guidance and inspiration from Iain and yourself plus my cousin (a former mechanic). Peace of mind that Jim is doing it......Priceless.... Thanks for asking.......
