bmwe21.net forums

Hi everyone

I recently bought a 1980 E21 316 with the 1766 cc engine. It seems to be having a problem with the mechanical fuel pump, when it is driven by the engine it doesn't seem to be pumping anything but when I remove it and operate it manually it seems to work just fine. When turning over the engine without the fuel pump I can see the rod that is supposed to push the spring in the pump move a little. Does this mean the cam is worn and I have to replace the camshaft or is there another solution?

If theres a separate pushrod between pump and camlobe then maybe a longer pushrod or modification can be effected. If also theres a thick mounting gasket for pump housing to cambox then perhaps this can be slimmed down a bit, wear on camshaft unlikely id say but not impossible.

Believe I've heard of these issues before and then a thinner (skimmed) gasket might indeed help getting enough movement of the pushrod, but I think I'd try a different fuel pump first.

Thanks for the replies, I will try this.

Great! And if you could find the time to introduce the car to us, it would be great. Lots of pics please