Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 3 Wheeler Stalled - Fuel Pump?

I was enjoying a nice drive on Sunday morning going at 25-30 mph when 3 Wheeler suddenly lost power and then I had to stop. The first thought was that perhaps I ran out of petrol but I doubted that was the case since I had only gone 80 miles since the last fill-up. A nice person close to the location provided some petrol and we tried to restart it. It would crank and wanted to start but would not actually be able to start. We even tried to start by pushing it and releasing the clutch in 2nd gear - same thing - felt like it wants to start but can't.

Got it towed back home and now wondering what the problem might be.

Could this be the fuel pump?

Certainly sounds like the first thing I would check. There's a Schrader valve up by the throttle body for checking the pressure but remember that the pump only runs for a matter of seconds to pressurise the system before it cuts out unless the engine actually starts and is running. Could be a blown fuse or dodgy connection in the electrics to the pump in which case you won't even hear it trying to run when the ignition is turned on.

Thanks Calum. Is there a sound that fuel pump makes when ignition is turned on?
I think I usually hear a humming sound when ignition is turned on and before I push the button to start. Is that the fuel pump?
I don't think I am hearing that now ...

It is.... like a bee... zzzzzz..... if during this sound, which is the time the fuel pump is pressurizing the system, you try to start the 3-Wheeler, it probably won't. I always wait until the humming stops, and then push the start button.

If you put the contact and you hear nothing... sounds as Calum says: dead punp or, hopefully (or not) a loose connection or fuse related to it.

I had a fuel pump failure a couple of years ago. And when it died, it did do a couple of chortling attempts at a start before completely dying. But yes, when you turn the key, there is an electronic buzzing of the pump you should hear prior to pushing the ignition button. If that is not audible, then something is going on with the pump or the circuit. Fuel pump failure with the original pump is a common malady on this board, and if you are out of warranty the fix is straightforward. Great thread on it somewhere here that I used as a reference.

Thanks Javier
I am not sure if this is good news, but I just tried to start the 3Wheeler and it started.
I should be happy and I am but I am concerned it will stall/die again ... I am confused about what happened the other day.
It was running and then stalled/died suddenly ... what would casue that?

There have been instances when the fuel pump is failing but when it has been left for a time will restart the engine, check the fuel pressure from the test port, Schrader valve, on the top of the engine it should be 58 psi.

Still can be a fuel pump failure. Maybe something just momentary, like som dirt clogging the filter or hose. Or maybe just the internals of the fuel pump that are about to break.

I can't tell you better. I would revise the whole circuit.

Another possibility is that the admission air valve behind the air filter intake wasn't opening properly, choking the engine. Another point to check, clean, and lube.

The good news are that there is no fuse gone, so there is not (apparently) an electrical issue. Those are sometimes very difficult to find, so pray for something else than an electric problem!

Did you try a reset of the pump by pressing the rubber button under the oil tank?

^ No, I did not reset the pump. Infact I did not know that is even possible.