Thread: Exploding fuel pump

I recall seeing a bent up floor from a similar problem, can't remember where. I'd expect a dodgy connector or wiring short circuit would be a more likely cause of an explosion than the pump itself.

theres a well deck around the tank that the pump/gauge assembly fits into, its also near the breathers and the main fuel lines.

IF you get a leak there, the fuel can gather, then you get a stray igntion source, typically static (Most plastic tanks will gather plenty of static while you drive) or a dicey electrical connection. I suspect that you've had fuel gather on top of the tank, below the floor which has then been ignighted If its petrol you can get quite a whump out of it.


the alternate scenario is blocking of the tank vents and purging in of combustion gasses into the tank which then cracks off a fitting or line and blows vapour every where, occasionally with enough velocity to self ignite from the static created.



I've seen it once in a falcon but not as a first hand thing only the aftermath top of the tank dented down floor pan slightly bowed upwards with very light scorching on both

Does this apply to a TD5? I could understand petrol vapour igniting, but could diesel also?

Originally Posted by Ranga

Does this apply to a TD5? I could understand petrol vapour igniting, but could diesel also?

It's actually the other way round, petrol tanks are usually full of saturated vapour with little air present, due to the vapour pressure exerted by the petrol. As in: caps always hiss outwards when you loosen them. Diesel has a much lower vapour pressure and therefore there would be plenty of air to support a bit of sudden combustion from a red glowing connector.

Originally Posted by Ranga

Does this apply to a TD5? I could understand petrol vapour igniting, but could diesel also?

you wouldnt get a "burst" of flame like you would with petrol.

IF (and thats a bloody big if) you managed to get it to light off, it would be more like a slow burning oil fire.

I expect theres something else that might be at play..

IF the tank was fully sealed up and IF all the hoses stood up to it and IF none of the clamps blew out then MAYBE you could get enough combustion gasses in the tank to pressurise it and then IF the tank held up at the seams you MIGHT be able to blow the pump assembly out of the tank with the pressure.


Theres a lot of IF and maybe in there.

Is it possible that the tank had a huge amount of vacuum in it possibly caused by blocked sucked the tank in and then something let go causing the tank to expand and belting the floor. Or possibly my wild imagination

Originally Posted by lewy

Is it possible that the tank had a huge amount of vacuum in it possibly caused by blocked sucked the tank in and then something let go causing the tank to expand and belting the floor. Or possibly my wild imagination

I'm thinking more your wild imagination. If it got to that the engine would not run.

Keep us posted Ranga, as I and I am sure others would be very interested.

I would be interested to hear the outcome...! I bought the D2 partly for the 7 seats so the kids can fit in the back.....not sure if i'll be quite so happy for them to sit in the third row now......!