UFO Fuel Pump Failure

[UFO Pilot]

My fuel pump was replaced in April of this year and now I am told it has failed again. I had driven about 500 miles total when the motor just shut off. It was towed to a shop on May 29 and was there 3 weeks before it was moved to a Workhorse service center 2 weeks ago. They thought the motor problem was fixed but then the parking brake wouldn't activate.

Are failures of new pumps common? It was bought from Workhorse so it is not a "clone".

[edgray]

Hi Wayne:
Sorry about your pump issue; I guess even a new part CAN be defective. I'm not sure how the fuel pump could have any affect on your WABCO parking brake not "applying", and can't help but wonder if it was reconnected properly after being disconnected for towing. Perhaps a connector pin was damaged, or a wire pulled loose ??? Please let us know what they find. Happy 4th to you and Roberta.

[UFO Pilot]

I think the parking brake was probably reconnected wrong. The second shop said they found some wiring issues with the parking brake. Not sure why the wiring would have been touched?


Happy 4th to you also.

[CJ7365]

What I don't understand is the time frame your encountering?

Is there any warranty on the pump? I know labor is usually not included on warranty but those pumps are highly expensive.

[UFO Pilot]

The original shop has a 1 year, 12000 miles parts and labor warranty thru Napa but there are no RV repair shops in the Napa network locally. There was a problem with the fuel line to the generator that they (the original shop) covered thru a local truck and RV garage. The fuel pump was almost $600, I would expect Workhorse to exchange it but labor may be a battle.

[AKIQPilot]

Dang man. So sorry to hear of your troubles.

I'm just about to spring for a new pump just to have in the coach at all times. I've had my fuel tank out twice since March so in a bind I could probably do it with the tools I have on board.

That said, I had to be towed a few weeks back. It was quick and painless. Being towed is something I've dreaded for a long time. Having AAA made the experience much more tolerable. Based on my recent towing experience I would probably just tow to the closest shop and talk the mechanic into dropping the tank.

I hate the thought of carrying around a $600 fuel pump that I may never need but I hate being unprepared for the next challenge.

Hope they get you on the road soon.

[UFO Pilot]

I have been towed 5 times in 11 years, 3 times since January. Every tow has been for a different issue before this so I would have to carry a few very expensive parts and probably wouldn't have the one needed. The biggest problem is the long waiting for the tow truck to arrive.

We have cancelled 3 outings so far and hoping not to cancel anymore now that they seem to have found (hopefully) the cause of the original problem. The parking brake problem has me stumped as it was working fine before the tow.

[olskool4x4]

The questions I would have are:

1. What was/is the fuel pressure reading? If the shop wants to replace the fuel pump I’m sure they checked the fuel pressure and power going to the pump. If the fuel pump was just replaced 500 miles ago maybe a connection or ground came undone?

2. When you disconnect the SAHR (Brake) there are no wires, you only disconnect the SAHR cable. Maybe when they reconnected the SAHR they didn’t adjusted cable correctly and it won’t release.

[UFO Pilot]

Originally Posted by olskool4x4

The questions I would have are:

1. What was/is the fuel pressure reading? If the shop wants to replace the fuel pump I’m sure they checked the fuel pressure and power going to the pump. If the fuel pump was just replaced 500 miles ago maybe a connection or ground came undone?

2. When you disconnect the SAHR (Brake) there are no wires, you only disconnect the SAHR cable. Maybe when they reconnected the SAHR they didn’t adjusted cable correctly and it won’t release.

1.The banged on the bottom of the tank and got it to work. Loose wires? The pump itself? They are dropping the tank to check further.
2. The parking brake won't set so it doesn't work. They drove it to the second shop so the fuel pump worked and the parking brake was released. They moved it twice before the fuel pump quit working. They have to chock the wheels now to keep it from rolling.

[M&EM]

Tom
Why not install an external fuel pump using the extra tank connections on the unused side of the tank. I've done this as a permanent addition for when the in tank pump fails again. The ext. pump has been in for 3 years now and is just waiting to be used. The pump is $100 or less and mounts to the cross member in front of the tank. A separate fuel pickup leads to a new filter and to the new pump. I used 2 check valves to isolate each pump and then TEEed them together just before the existing filter. The pump and filter is very accessible and easy to replace on the road. And is immediately available to switch on when needed. This would cost far less then $600.

[AKIQPilot]

Originally Posted by M&EM

Tom
Why not install an external fuel pump using the extra tank connections on the unused side of the tank. I've done this as a permanent addition for when the in tank pump fails again. The ext. pump has been in for 3 years now and is just waiting to be used. The pump is $100 or less and mounts to the cross member in front of the tank. A separate fuel pickup leads to a new filter and to the new pump. I used 2 check valves to isolate each pump and then TEEed them together just before the existing filter. The pump and filter is very accessible and easy to replace on the road. And is immediately available to switch on when needed. This would cost far less then $600.

Ive been thinking of doing just that. On the very bottom front center of my tank is a 1/2” tap that I could pick up fuel for an aux pump. I dont like the idea of sucking right off the bottom but with a filter and water separator it could work just fine.

I also thought about connecting into the generator pick up line as an emergency fix. There are drawbacks of course but it could work to get me off the side of the road and to a shop or to a place where i could make a more permanent fix.

Ive built a few off road jeeps over the years and they need about 60psi of fuel pressure too. There are several fuel pump/regulator combos out there that meet those parameters easily. Some have return lines to the tank and some dont. For about $100 in pump and parts it wouldnt be that hard to come up with a good plan and get set up for the unfortunate time when the fuel pump decides to take a dump.

[CJ7365]

Kevin, who does a lot of video has made a video of fuel pump bypass, its on his W24 but can work on other chassis as well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMwI6SF20KI

[M&EM]

Same idea except mine was made permanent. When the in tank pump fails, the external pump will become main pump.

[UFO Pilot]

They removed the pump and it is bad. A new one is on it's way.