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By Chad Byrum | Midlife Classic Cars
Are you experiencing limp mode in your Legend car? If so, you’re not alone. At Midlife Classic Cars, we recently tackled a frustrating fuel pump issue that has plagued our Legend car. In this guide, we’ll walk you through our step-by-step process to diagnose and fix a faulty fuel pump, including some handy DIY fabrication tips.
Limp mode is a common problem that many Legend car owners face. It’s a safety feature designed to protect your engine when the car’s computer detects a problem. Unfortunately, it can also be a real pain, preventing you from finishing races or even driving at full speed.
In our recent experience, we tried everything to resolve the issue, but the car still didn’t work correctly. The primary suspect? A noisy fuel pump that wasn’t delivering consistent pressure.
During a race, we noticed the fuel pump was louder than usual, which was a red flag. After consulting with fellow racers and professionals, we decided to take a closer look at the fuel pump. The pump’s irregular sound and the car’s continued limp mode suggested that the pump might not be working efficiently.
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the fuel pump was securely mounted. The original setup in our Legend car allowed the pump to rattle and potentially damage itself against the chassis. This prompted us to design a custom mount to keep the pump stable and reduce the risk of further issues.
Here’s a brief overview of our DIY fabrication process:
Cardboard Aided Design (CAD): We started by creating a cardboard template to wrap around the existing pipe. This allowed us to visualize the final design without making permanent changes.
Transferring to Aluminum: Once satisfied with the cardboard template, we transferred the design to aluminum stock. Aluminum is lightweight and durable, making it an excellent choice for custom car parts.
Simple is Better: Initially, our design was too complicated, which led us to rethink and simplify the approach. By keeping the design straightforward, we avoided unnecessary complications that could have led to further issues.
After installing the new pump and mount, we encountered a new problem—the pump wouldn’t build pressure. Through some trial and error, we discovered that the pump wasn’t properly primed. The solution? Lowering the pump and angling it downward allowed fuel to flow through the system, building the necessary pressure.
If you’re experiencing a similar issue, try lowering your pump or manually priming it by pouring fuel into the line. This simple step can save you a lot of time and frustration.
As a self-taught mechanic and racer, I’ve learned the value of trying things out for myself. While I’m not a professional fabricator, I’ve found that being willing to experiment and learn can lead to successful outcomes—both on and off the track.
For anyone considering working on their Legend car, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid to try. Whether you’re fabricating a new part or troubleshooting an existing issue, taking the time to understand and simplify the process can make all the difference.
At Midlife Classic Cars, we offer a wide range of resources to help you tackle your next project. Here are two books that have been particularly helpful in my journey:
Nuts, Bolts, and Fasteners and Plumbing by Carroll Smith: This book was an eye-opener for me, helping me understand the importance of using the right fasteners and materials in car maintenance.
Sheet Metal Fabrication: If you’re interested in fabrication, this book provides a comprehensive guide with full-color photos to help you get started.
Both of these books, along with many others, are available at Midlife Classic Cars. We take pride in offering high-quality books that are shipped in sturdy boxes to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.
Fixing a fuel pump issue in a Legend car can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and a willingness to learn, it’s definitely achievable. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a DIY enthusiast, the key is to simplify your process and not be afraid to try new things.
For more classic car maintenance tips, DIY guides, and racing insights, be sure to check out our blog regularly. And if you’re looking for the best automotive books and manuals, visit Midlife Classic Cars.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more videos like this one, where we share our latest projects, tips, and tricks for maintaining and racing classic cars. See you on the track!
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