3200GT Fuel pressure problem

Assetto 52 · Apr 22, 2023

The car is hopefully coming off SORN once I have got to the bottom of why it's refusing to start!
Initially, the car fires up for a split second and then stop my initial thought was lack of fuel even though the fuel gage registers a quarter of a tank so added some more (20ltrs)
still, nothing I have checked the fuses and relays related to the fuel pumps all is good I can hear on the ignition turning the relays and pumps priming and coming to life, I have also changed the fuel filter
nothing other than fuel in the old one.
So the next step was to check the pressure on the fuel rails on top of the engine undoing the valve caps and pressing the valves produced barely a dribble even with the ignition turned on and fuel pumps primed.
This leads me back to the pumps in the fuel tank! is it possible that both pumps failed together? or can one pump fail the car still run? I would have thought one pump would produce some pressure!
I am also thinking if the emergency pump shut-off valve was causing this the pumps would be silent or am I wrong?
Ideas welcome
Regards Gordon.

urquattrogus · Apr 22, 2023

I agree that if the emergency pump shutoff was causing this then you would not hear the pumps at all.

I suppose there is only really one way with this, to follow and trace it from the tank/pump forwards...?

It could be possible that the fuel has gone really bad in the tank and or the pickup is blocked? This modern fuel with biofuel content etc.

Have you done the basics like a new filter? I would imagine you need both pumps to get enough pressure?

You have checked the fuses and relays, but is there adequate voltage to the pump, enough to run it to it's full potential, or bad earthing???

Also, is there a pressure regulator before the fuel rail, has that failed somehow, it's 5 years since i had my 3200 so can't remmber.

Sorry probably not much help but trying to think it through...

madmanmart · Apr 22, 2023

If the car has stood for a long time then I’ll bet both pumps and mounts are shot.

Assetto 52 · Apr 22, 2023

The car has been sitting for probably the last year and a bit up to 6 months ago started regularly and run to working temperature then started being temperamental I put it down to being Italian and sulking as other cars were being used and enjoyed.

So I think draining the tank and removing the pumps and checking the mounts will be the next move, I did notice the fuel in the filter wasn't the nicest petrol I have smelt.

RichTaps · Apr 22, 2023

Agree a good course of action is to do a full Fuel tank clean and replace Fuel pumps and mounts if nessesary. New filter too.

Pumps themselves are cheap - just note down the Bosch part number when you remove.

You’ll probs need to replace the internal flexy hoses too.

Assetto 52 · Apr 23, 2023

Thanks
Will hopefully get on to this little! job next week.

Assetto 52 · Apr 26, 2023

madmanmart said:
If the car has stood for a long time then I’ll bet both pumps and mounts are shot.

100% correct as usual!
Both are totally stuffed knackered pumps, mounts are mush pipes broke when removing them, so now taking the tank out to clean and fix the sender unit.
I have sourced new pumps ie the whole units both look refurbished just need new seals for the pumps and the sender unit.

RichTaps · Apr 26, 2023

Good job. Do you mean you've purchased new Bosch pumps, or 2 whole assemblies including the pumps? The Bosch pumps on their own are only around £40 each from memory.

Assetto 52 · Apr 27, 2023

The whole assembly.
From the photos, they look brand new, and should be here tomorrow.
The tank came out far more easily than expected, I have worked out that letting the tank dry out makes cleaning the crud out there's plenty in there
It flakes off and is easy to hoover up.
The tank sender could do with a replacement it's a bit worse for wear but may clean up.

Looking back the car would happily go into limp mode when pushing it which led me to think of throttle body issues that was sorted out via David Askew,
much better but not perfect now I've taken the plunge to do the fuel pumps and the mess therein fuel starvation I fear was my problem.
The fuel pump mount is the main issue it literally turns to goo secondly the black pipe gets very brittle and snaps off as "Madmanmart" stated park the car up for a while
equals a special Tank Tax cost!!
But saying that I do think this is an age-related issue those two items are submerged in fuel also from what I can see from my experience you cannot buy parts of the assembly other than the bosch pump separately, maybe it is a 3D printer job!

madmanmart · Apr 27, 2023

Is the tank rusty on the inside? I’ve seen that a few times as well.
I should have a sender if you need one or even a tank.

Assetto 52 · Apr 28, 2023

madmanmart said:
Is the tank rusty on the inside? I’ve seen that a few times as well.
I should have a sender if you need one or even a tank.

Hi Mart
The tank is fine just filthy fortunately in good condition I'm drying it out at the moment and the crud is flaking of anything that's stubborn and comes off with a scouring pad lightly applied.
My sender after spending 30 minutes carefully cleaning it after testing it doesn't work! so yes if you have a good one yes Please, I will PM you in a bit
Regards Gordon.

Wally · Apr 28, 2023

I still wonder which quality fuel the people with similar problems use…. If you use E10, no surprise these problems occur.

Assetto 52 · Apr 28, 2023

Generally, for me E5 high-octane fuel sometimes I don't have an option!
The pump mount that disintegrates should be removed and replaced with a pump sock-as almost every other car has, the plastic fuel lines that live in any petrol are going to be brittle
silicon tubing might be an answer!
After my experience anyone with a 3200gt has this coming at some point, plus side taking the pumps out is reasonably simple even removing the tanks is not hard couple of pipes on each side
2 Allan key bolts and pull.

Assetto 52 · Apr 29, 2023

New fuel pumps arrived first thing this morning.

RichTaps · Apr 29, 2023

nice! Unless the pump motors themselves are brand new, it’s defo worth swapping them out…. Otherwise you’ll be replacing your existing pumps with potentially another 20 year old pair!

Assetto 52 · Apr 29, 2023

Good point, Looking at them I feel they have been sitting on a shelf most of their life rather than a tank.

rs48635 · May 25, 2023

Gulp :-( My own car has been sitting <for some years> and failed to deliver fuel at last attempt. Will open the tank on my 3200 this weekend.

What parts should I order today, and where from? What is a pump-sock?

rs48635 · May 25, 2023

RichTaps said:
Good job. Do you mean you've purchased new Bosch pumps, or 2 whole assemblies including the pumps? The Bosch pumps on their own are only around £40 each from memory.

anyone have part numbers for Bosch fuel pump please ?
seem to be Bosch 0580453443

Appeared in other thread. https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/3200gta-2002-fuel-pumps.19482/post-702332

Wally · May 25, 2023

THAT IS THE CORRECT NUMBER

Collie · Jun 21, 2023

madmanmart said:
Is the tank rusty on the inside? I’ve seen that a few times as well.
I should have a sender if you need one or even a tank.

Hi
I was just reading that a some point you had a couple of 3200 Gt petrol Tanks. Im looking to get the 'Fuel Intake hose' assembly that connects to the
Would you have one and if so could i purchase it

3200GT Fuel pressure problem

Junior Member

Member

Member

Junior Member

Member

Junior Member

Junior Member

Member

Junior Member

Member

Junior Member

Member

Junior Member

Junior Member

Member

Junior Member

Member

Member

Member

New Member