PSA e85 lpfp bucket failure

Rcsup1

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Dec 14, 2018
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11 X3 35i
I have a 2011 X3. I'm not sure what other models share our lpfp bucket design, if anyone knows post it here so I can share this thread.

I have been running e30-e50 for a couple of months now, my issue started with a failing EKP which lead me to replace my pump with an upgraded walbro and EOS EKP. After about a month I started have weird fueling issues. After driving for a bit the car would start to buck and stall to the point that it would not go more than 5mph.

After the car cooled off it was fine again until it got up to temperature and the whole thing would start over. After trying various things and being dumbfounded I got and entire new bucket assembly with pump. Threw it in and all was fine.

After about a month I'm cruising along and the car just dies. Would not start at all. I get it back home with the old bucket assembly bucking the entire way, worst than when I took it off.

I order another bucket assembly and look at the old ones trying to figure out what was wrong. There no obvious codes aside from the low fuel pressure.

I decided to feed the top of the bucket lightly with air to get the remaining fuel out and see if the check vales are working. While doing this I notice the seem on the inside of the donut is leaking fuel. It was worst on the new bucket which made sense why it would not start.

I epoxied the seem inside and out with Marine chemical resistant epoxy. Threw it back in the car and presto all is well again.
 

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Rcsup1

Lurker
Dec 14, 2018
14
5
0
Ride
11 X3 35i
It was an aftermarket one after the oem one failed. It happened to both of them.
 

Rcsup1

Lurker
Dec 14, 2018
14
5
0
Ride
11 X3 35i
It was and ebay unbranded one. Regardless the first set-up that failed was the OEM bucket with a Walbro 450 pump. The plastic donut is the point of failure not the pump.