To the mechanics - will running a vehicle out of gas and cranking and trying over and over again to start it ruin the electric fuel pump? I took my Kawasaki Mule to have a new starter in it, and they used it and ran it totally out of gas. When I tried to pick it up, the fuel pump was out. So I'm trying to prove that the shop ruined the fuel pump and should therefore replace it.
Posted 2008-12-18 9:43 PM (#96250 - in reply to #96245) Subject: RE: Fuel Pump Question
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
Probably won't do it any good, especially if it's before the filter and it picked up some crud. If it worked when you took it to them and it doesn't after they had it (and did something questionable like they did) then they should replace it. That's just my opinion though.
Posted 2008-12-18 10:04 PM (#96252 - in reply to #96245) Subject: RE: Fuel Pump Question
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Yes, It could burn the pump up! But, you are going to run into a problem is trying to prove it! First off they are going to tell you that if it is old or worn enough to need a new starter installed, that there is a good chance other parts are worn and in need of being replaced!
What year and model is your mule? I had a older model and I don't recall it having a electric pump on it.
The cheapest way out for everyone would be ask for the manager explain the problem and see if ya'll can agree on each party paying half. Or just pay it all yourself and never use that company again! T
Posted 2008-12-18 10:10 PM (#96253 - in reply to #96245) Subject: RE: Fuel Pump Question
Location: Teague, TX
It is a 2000 model - was running great until the starter quit. When we picked it up, the rear wheel hub was stripped out, and the fuel pump was dead. Needless to say, we were unhappy. The shop owner refused to do anything at all, so I am taking him to small claims court. It was completely out of gas when I picked it up, and I had put 5 gallons in it the day the starter died.
Posted 2008-12-18 10:21 PM (#96254 - in reply to #96253) Subject: RE: Fuel Pump Question
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Not to defend the shop, but the local shop around here will either remove the tank or drain the fuel tank before they do any electrical work at all. Just a saftey hazard! Then if you do have an electric pump and you starter went out, weather it was running great or not, they and there Lawyer will say that the extra electrical pull on a weak starter caused the fuel pump to go out...
Sorry for the bad news, but been in a mess like this before (on a truck)and all I got it a waste of a month of my time and ended up just taking somewhere else and getting it fixed right at my expense.
Posted 2008-12-19 6:00 AM (#96260 - in reply to #96245) Subject: RE: Fuel Pump Question
Elite Veteran
Posts: 954 Location: Hagerstown, MD
It won't take much investigation to find out if the shop has had other complaints from customers. Spend a little time and ask around to the locals, better business bureau, and any state agency that is responsible for licensing a business.
You might want to approach the owner and ask (innocently) if one his employees could have "borrowed" the vehicle without his knowledge? Let's him off the hook and puts the problem in another light. An employee could easily justify taking the vehicle out for a "test drive" after repairs and get a little carried away. Especially if they took one of their buddies from the shop with them. The owner could be an honest guy, but one of his employees might not be as honest?
When dealing with the shop owner, stand firm, but don't get angry. If he gets angry, walk away and come back later. DON'T GET INTO A SHOUTING MATCH! You'll be the one that will lose. Document everything! Even the conversations you have with the owner. Even if it's as simply as jotting everything down after you talk to him when you are by yourself. If this matter does go to litigation, you will need as much back up as you can supply.
As for draining the fuel tank before repairs, I disagree. If I take my Harley in for repairs or maintenance, they don't drain the fuel tank. Same with my lawn mower, generator and gas powered air compressor. Even if it's an electrical repair, like replacing the starter.
Posted 2008-12-20 9:54 PM (#96335 - in reply to #96306) Subject: RE: Fuel Pump Question
Location: Teague, TX
Yes, same mule. I filed a small claim against the shop. The problem is, it had 5 gallons of gas in it when I dropped it off and they ran it out of gas. But the worst part is, they cranked and cranked trying to start it.
Posted 2008-12-22 5:22 PM (#96388 - in reply to #96245) Subject: RE: Fuel Pump Question
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I don't know where the fuel pump is located in your Mule. On most fuel injected engines, it is located within the fuel tank. This is necessary with the high fuel pressures being used in DFI engines. Some are running rail pressures of 25k-30K psi, as apposed to 5-7 lbs for a carburetor.
If the tank's fuel level is always allowed to be low, and this applies to cars and trucks, the fuel pump, that depends on the fuel for cooling, will temporarily over heat when the tank is empty. If this happens several times, or if the ignition is left on when the engine dies, the pump will overheat and fail. This is a very expensive part to replace, and involves the additional labour to drop the fuel tank for access to the pump.
Most external electric fuel pumps will tolerate running dry for short periods of time. None are made for continuous operation while dry.
Fuel Pump Question
