Fuel Pump Failure??

[Steve_P]

Hi All, car has been off the road for the last year but I've run the engine regularly - started the Elan yesterday in garage and went off
for some lunch only to come back and find the engine had stopped. Turned the ignition, engine fired for a few seconds and
then died, no problem I thought must be out of fuel as tank was showing empty. Put some fresh fuel in and the engine is doing the
same thing; starting, running for 4-5 seconds and then stopping. Odd thing is that when I turn the ignition I can hear a relay
click at the back of the car but not the normal wizz of the pump priming?

Has anyone else experienced this and was it the fuel pump? Is the pump in the tank and if so is it a tank removal job?

Any advice appreciated. Many thanks, Steve

[superbad]

Did you check the fuse (#4 I think) and the inertia switch? The fuel pump relay can fail too. A blocked fuel filter is the next most likely culprit, especially if you've run the tank low and sucked up any debris that may have been at the bottom. If you can eliminate all that, my next steps would be to confirm: 1) That the pump is pumping, and 2) that it's making adequate pressure. If those are both true, check the fuel pressure regulator.

[epipete]

Further to Superbads comments it may be the fuel pump and if it is then no, it's not a tank out job. The pump is an integral part of the float assy and can be accessed through the top of the tank when all the trim is removed from the hood stowage area.

If it goes that far then check on the site here as to which are suitable replacements as the lotus one is costly, I got mine from Castle Coombe race track and though it needed the connector to be modified slightly fit perfectly and was about half the price of the oem.

[Steve_P]

Many thanks guys, will give those suggestions a try and relieved the tank doesn't need to come out if it's the pump!