81 fuel pump leak

[TonyS]

Hi all, this is my first post ever. I am new to this site. I have taken my 81 out of storage after almost 15 yrs. I sent it to mechanic for tune up before putting back on the road. When starting the car cold, there is a gas leak by the fuel pump that lasts about 30 seconds. When driving the car, after leaving idle for several minutes, it has difficulty moving forward. like it is not getting the correct amount of gas. after driving a half mile of so, it seems correct itself and it runs well. Is this due to fuel pump? dry hoses? reccomendations?
Tony

[So Cal Mark]

after 15 yrs, I'd recommend replacing all of the fuel hoses and that pump as well as the filter and cleaning the injectors

[bradartigue]

Mark said it right, replace all of the hoses and the pump and filter. It isn't difficult to do, use good high pressure FI hose from NAPA or VW. I would take out the fuel tank and get it boiled.

Your pump is failing because it is sucking in air, it will self-destruct shortly.

[TonyS]

Thanks for the advice guys. Should I try to save the pump and filter, or is it not worth it? I have no manuals to help with repairs. What would you recommend?

[narfire]

Pump might be ok but I'd have a spare handy. The pumps are very sensitive to crud/rust from the tank. There is not a filter between the tank and pump, nor really recommended to do so, so it is imperative the inside of the tank is rust free.
If you ran the car after it sat for all those years, you might have sent some crud down the hose....
As mentioned the soft hose will have rotted out and fuel will leak out. Consider blowing the fuel lines out with air and perhaps a bit of fresh gas. See what lands in the bucket with the fuel.... Steel lines will rust out as well.
Chris

[So Cal Mark]

the FI pump has an o-ring that seals the case to the pump body. If the pump is leaking, more than likely that o-ring has failed. Since the pump case is crimped on, I've never been able to save one