2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fuel pressure scare! - sender contact corrosion

[BLMills]

Configuration: Westach 16psi gauge/sender mounted on top of filter/post filter port, 3rd Carter LP in stock location.



Over the last week or so I noticed my lift pump pressure had started dropping and was inconsistent, down to around 10 psi idling and could pull down to around 7 psi at half throttle. I don't ever full throttle, since the auto transmission is on the way out.



This morning on my way to the squadron and idle LP pressure was down to 9 psi. Off a stop light, just cracked the throttle and the pressure went to 2 psi then would jump back and forth to up to about 9 psi. With a sick feeling in my gut I turned around to park it and jump on the Harley. Not another LP and hopefully the VP-44 survived! Learned my lesson a couple of years ago by not running a fuel pressure gauge. After work I put my manual shop gauge on it and darn it if it didn't have 12-13 psi steady pressure at idle and maybe 1 psi movement with increased throttle. I then decided to pull the connectors to the posts and ground and clean with WD-40 and emory cloth. The connectors didn't show any sign of corrosion, just darker color. Shined them up, reconnected and pressure was steady and consistent on test drive.



I had to do this once before only about three months ago. The pressure pegged at 16psi on idle and wouldn't pull down. I live only 1/2 mile from the ocean and every day there is a fresh layer of salt and gunk on the outside of the truck no matter how clean she was night before. I guess it is bad enough to affect the connectors under the hood and build up resistance?



I coated the connectors with battery corrosion prevention spray for the time being.



Anyone else have this problem and any suggestions for a longer term fix? Thinking about soldering the connectors permanently to the posts on the sender and then placing plug style, fulling insulated connectors 6-8" from that in case I need to remove the sender.



I also plan on relocating the LP to the frame and eventually a better pump, but saving my pennies for a Goerend transmission install next month.



Also wander how many LPs may have been replaced due to bad connections or sender. I think I may have one sitting in my tool box now.



Thanks everyone,

 

[CCiatteo]

snip... ... . I coated the connectors with battery corrosion prevention spray for the time being.



Anyone else have this problem and any suggestions for a longer term fix?

I don't have a fix, but I use Boeshield (aerosol spray) for my battery terminals and after almost 2 years they still look brand new with not signs of corrosion. Maybe give that stuff a try. It's not cheap, but man does it work and of course I found out about this stuff from this website



Chris

 

[JLandry]

Also wander how many LPs may have been replaced due to bad connections or sender. I think I may have one sitting in my tool box now.

I've have a similar experience twice now, but with a mechanical fuel pressure gauge when the fluid (antifreeze) in the plastic line leading to the gauge sprung a slow leak.



You did the right thing by making a "precautionary landing" when you saw the low fuel pressure indication... better safe than sorry! You also did the right thing this time by getting "second opinion" with that fuel pressure test gauge.



Thanks for sharing.



John L.

 

[AClayton]

I've have a similar experience twice now, but with a mechanical fuel pressure gauge when the fluid (antifreeze) in the plastic line leading to the gauge sprung a slow leak.



You did the right thing by making a "precautionary landing" when you saw the low fuel pressure indication... better safe than sorry! You also did the right thing this time by getting "second opinion" with that fuel pressure test gauge.



Thanks for sharing.



John L.

I had the same exact thing happen to me last week with my mech gauge. Quick check at the 44 and 16psi idle... ... pulled gauge and added a tad bit of ant-freeze and it fixed it... ... ... ... . for now,lol!!