Caddy Fuel Pump Question

NCMau · Aug 10, 2011

I bought a new 12V, 30 gal gas caddy fuel pump while back. It worked for few weeks then quit. I put it aside, then lately I decided to take a look. The pump is fitted with a welded 3/4" suction pipe into the caddy. The output hose is 5/8".

The voltage is from a good battery and electrically the pump seems to be turning at the right speed (it is not laboring).
I checked and rechecked any possible air leaks in the suction.
I opened the plate to check the rotary vane, it seems to be turning fine.
Put few drops of oil in it , still no gas coming up.
There are about 5 gal of gas in the caddy.
Opened a plug where there is a spring (pressure relief valve?) I am not sure what am I supposed be looking at.

I don't know what else to do I would be very grateful for any words of wisdom.

Snaker · Aug 13, 2011

Have you ever had the level that low when you started pumping before? You didn/t state what brand or quality you have, but it may not like to start a suction at low levels. Probably don't want to hear this but I would get it filled and try again.

NCMau · Aug 15, 2011

Thanks for the reply. I decided to open and explore the pump area and the only thing I saw out of place was the bypass valve (a plastic sleeve) that wasn't seated properly. So, I re-seated it and it works fine.
I do have another question though. During the process of troubleshooting, I reversed the wiring polarity to see if the motor was incorrectly wired. The motor worked fine and reversed the fuel flow back into the tank. This is desirable feature that I didn't even know was available because it was not mentioned in the two-page manual.
My question is: is it safe run it backward? Do you guys do it?

LBrown59 · Aug 15, 2011

NCMau said:
Thanks for the reply. I decided to open and explore the pump area and the only thing I saw out of place was the bypass valve (a plastic sleeve) that wasn't seated properly. So, I re-seated it and it works fine.
I do have another question though. During the process of troubleshooting, I reversed the wiring polarity to see if the motor was incorrectly wired. The motor worked fine and reversed the fuel flow back into the tank.
1*This is desirable feature that I didn't even know was available because it was not mentioned in the two-page manual.
My question is: is it safe run it backward? Do you guys do it?

A Caddy is for transferring fuel not storing it.

1*I can do the same with this storage rig with out reversing the pump

NCMau · Aug 16, 2011

LBrown59 said:
A Caddy is for transferring fuel not storing it.

1*I can do the same with this storage rig with out reversing the pump

I usually fill 25-25 gal in my 30 gal caddy, so the storage time is not very long. (Definitely not longer than a month).This caddy allows me to fill my tractor and lawnmower a lot easier and spill-free.
It is not clear in the pic how you accomplish fuel reversal without reversing the pump. Could you elaborate please?

2458n · Aug 16, 2011

I do reverse the wiring on my pump also. Allows me to suck fuel oil out of 250 gallon tanks for people who have changed over home heating. I usually get both the oil and the tank for free. So far every one is happy.