My Ferret needs help

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by colin jones

Hi all, I have a few problems with fuel on my ferret. I'm not sure if the pump was working so I put an electric pump on. So I have a few questions.
1. Is it better to fix the original and how the hell do you get to it?
2. If the pump is faulty, where do I get replacement parts?
3. Would an electric pump deliver too much fuel?
4. It bellows black smoke so thats a fuel problem?
5. It runs like a bag of poo?
6. Do you put a drop of oil in the genny to make it work?
7. Where can I get a new set of plugs from?
8. Is it worth dropping the engine out for a good clean and inspection.

Hi Colin,

I have had many years of working experience on Ferrets, so here goes,
1. You can remove the pump without too much problems, remove escape hatch on left of vehicle ( nearside for those in UK and Aus.), remove battery box from that side, also the snubber bracket which limits reaction movement of the engine. This will give you access to the fuel pump, when releasing the two pipes, you will have to use two spanners ..one to hold the adaptor. A bit awkward, in fact this is the worst part of the job, but it can be done with one hand. Pump has a straight plunger on it, so once the securing nuts are removed, it pulls straight out.
2. If you cannot source a pump repair kit, send me a PM.
4. Black smoke, could be flooding, faulty needle valve in float chamber, float leaking or incorrect height. The "choke" arrangement is only a disc valve and unless it is not returning to the Off position, there is little to go wrong. You may find it worth repalacing the two accelerator pump diaphragms, again if Tim has no stock, PM me.
6. Re. oiling the generator...........don't do as some guy in the US did, he poured oil in the vent over the armature !!!! That instruction is for when an engine has been standing for a length of time, it is for the two speed gears at the pulley end, they are fed off the main gallery whilst running, but oil runs away on standing so there is a small priming plug on the top by the pulley.
8. Unless you have serious problems, there is littel point in removing the engine for these faults you describe.

Hope this is of help.

regards, Richard