It just unplugs... it's the black (or silver) unit on the LH side of the firewall in the engine bay...
Really?! Oh god, this could be an epic win! Cheers mate. I will stay in Paris until I get this part sent to the site.
I assume that I will be able to tell if the relay/pump is at fault by unplugging the electrics to the relay? If that stops the whirring then it's a good bet?
You've got it... power is supplied to the pump via the relay... so unless there is something else at fault, that causes the relay to switch, then the relay will be the problem
@lost-en-france or @tuesday_wildchild or @77 Westy Can you recommend a decent online parts supplier for delivery to a French address? Doesn't need to be a VW specialist, as it's a Bosch part.
there is this place http://www.mecatechnic.com/fr-FR/ http://www.serial-kombi.com/ tbh it might be faster to get it from gsf..
I've emailed both of them. Will see what they say. I guess they're closed Sundays? Will check the UK places too, but as I have a 79 Cali, it's a slightly different relay to most.
Surely it doesn't matter if the relay is playing up so long as the fuel pump runs when you need it. Obviously inconvenient when the ignition is switched off but just pull the connector that feeds the pump. Agree with Sharpey about the french fuel, the stuff plays havoc with my van, subtle misfires etc, re filled with decent stuff at home and the van runs so much better.
and Saturdays it is France and maybe Monday which since dot has been every ones day off... these guys import a lot of stuff... http://www.highway-import.com/shop/index.php Have you tried a local factor like feuvert ? http://www.feuvert.fr/
It's the misfiring and juddering that is more of a worry. Hard to know if it's fuel or relay related.
Wouldn't the fuel filter clog up first? Which is something else I want to check tomorrow. Although difficult with no jack and a muddy floor!
Maybe a blocked fuel filter and the gurgling could be the filter filling up once the fuel pressure is off when the ignition is off , have a listen under the drivers rear wheel
FYI if it is the fuel pump mine was permanently on when I bought it - turned out that in my case it was the fail safe inside the AFM. Easy to bend it a little once inside, but wouldn't be causing any engine trouble - just a safety issue I think (would keep pumping in the event of an accident). If you get stranded and it is the relay then I keep a spare double relay in my kit in the UK.
