The electric fuel pump in my 164 failed after about 4 months and 800-900 miles. I replaced the fuel pump as part of an overall rehab. However, I did not notice immediately that there were rust particles from the fuel tank getting pumped through the entire fuel system and I drove the car a couple of hundred miles until the fuel filter and injectors were thoroughly clogged. Only when the car began running poorly did I realize what was going on. After removing the tank and having it cleaned and coated inside and out and many hours cleaning every inch of the fuel system, everything seemed fine. I can testify that getting the rust particles out of the injectors was quite a job. I did not do anything about cleaning the fuel pump but I have changed the fuel filter twice. The system is set up with the fuel filter forward of the pump. The car ran fine but then, about a month later, the fuel pump very suddenly stopped working. I have checked the entire circuit with the final check being a lamp plugged into the fuel pump connector. It lit just as it should........that is about 2 seconds when the key is first put in the run position and then continuously when the engine is cranked and continuously thereafter. I checked the fuel pump by connecting it directly to the battery. I got some sparks suggesting it has shorted out. I was careful about maintaining correct polarity.

My question is; could the pump have failed because, it too, is clogged with rust particles. Other explanations?????? I find it very hard to believe it is a faulty pump. Any suggestions about opening the pump and perhaps repairing it.