blowing fuses

[golf girl]

hi there everyone got a 1990 16v and just started having a problem with fuse position 18 as far as i know it runs the fuel pumps they both work fine with not to much noise? but the fuse has popped 3 times in the last 2 days? has anybody any ideas? as it left me stranded in the middle of a juntion today? :-[ many thanks

[richandhazel]

I would suggest that if it has started blowing fuses then the pump is drawing more current. This may be due to a partial blockage making the pump work harder. I assume the 16V uses a lift pump so maybe if its not a blockage, the lift pump may be faulty
Off the top of my head are they 10A fuses?

[Gambit]

AFAIK its a 30/40a fuse

the lift pump in the tank can be replaced for about ?25 from German Swedish French

the main pump is a lot more expensive!!!

lift pump is pretty easy to get at thru the boot, so u can take it out and give the filter on the end a wee clean, or even replace it.

[golf girl]

Cheers guys

It's a 20a fuse just had a full service at c&r and the fuel filter has been replaced. Checked the lift pump and filter all is good. will now try replacing the main fuel pump and go from there. Thanks for the info

[Gambit]

did u check the haynes manual to see if that is the correct fuse? i could have swore they were a bigger ampage than 20a

[richandhazel]

I should imagine the procedure for checking the main pump will be the same as the 8v and that is to check the current draw of the pump. The Haynes manual has a write up all about it. Can't remember the exact figures but I know that a high current draw does indicate a problem with the pump or a blockage somewhere.

[Tucker]

Cheers guys

It's a 20a fuse just had a full service at c&r and the fuel filter has been replaced. Checked the lift pump and filter all is good. will now try replacing the main fuel pump and go from there. Thanks for the info

Has the fuel filter been put on right, only flow one way But im sure they know what they are doing

[richandhazel]

If I remember correctly the connections are 'wally' proof so its impossible to connect it round the wrong way
I'm sure its male one end, female the other - suits you sir

[rubjonny]

Check the back of the fusebox cover, it will say what rating all your fuses should be

[golf girl]

The fuse is definatley a 20a had the car checked out at c&r they say that it is more than likely the main fuel pump  :'( guess I'll just have to put my hand in my pocket and get the tools out.