Introduction_ajs162361_Fuel Pump Problems

Hello BS.net

I'm a new man to the Forum game, however I've been assured they are the best place for info on all kinds of issues.

I'm an the proud owner a Skoda Felicia 1997 1.3 Pick Up.  I think she's great.

She has been giving me trouble of late.  I don't mind too much as she's getting to be an old lady, however I use her for work...

She broke down on the M1 going up an hill.  She cut out dead in the 2nd lane.  A good willed trucker save my bacon, by cradling me and pushing her on to the HS.

The background to this incident - she always seemed to loose power in 5th at about 40mph.. I dropped her cog and she usually recovers.  I've had her to near the bottom of the tank, without any problems.  The tank is clear of debris too, I've checked.

So recently I've been scratching my head for solutions.

I've been using her in the extremis on a "Super Fuse"  - Bacofoil on the blades of the blown 15A fuse.  I know this isn't the brightest idea especially with a petrol engine.  However needs must.

She had been behaving, I put her back on a 15A fuse - no problems when pottering around town.

Last night I gathered courage to run her on the M1 again.  She went fine for approx 15miles (with 15A), then the fuse blew.

I had to deploy the Super Fuse to get home.  Near the end of the journey, she began to cut out (with Super Fuse fitted). I was aware of burning the loom out so pulled over and rested her.  I made it home.

This morning she Arc'd up no problem (with S Fuse fitted).  I just wrestled the fuel pump out of the tank and run it externally (in fuel) from a 12V battery with 15A inline fuse.  Not a problem, however this is artificial as the pump hadn't been running for a prolonged time in high demand, or in reaction the acceleration surge.  Again the plastic tank seems clear of debris and fuel seems to flow freely.

I'm chasing a second hand 228.2254/32/1 fuel pump on Ebay at moment - this is getting expensive - no joy yet.

Before I buy a F Pump I may NOT need, what else could it be?

Should I replace the Fuel Pump Relay (where is it?) and could this be the problem / solution? 

The fuel filter looks very new (I understand this could be misleading).

I don't think it's an Engine Management issue, however....

So BS.net can anyone help this new forum member.

Many Thanks

AJS