Several weeks ago my 82 started running poorly. It would lope and shake while stopped like it had a full race cam. Acceleration was very poor from a dead stop and it surged and didn't want to smoothly accelerate. A week ago I was headed home and the problem got worse. The car would barely run and wouldn't idle unless I played with the accelerator. It surged and lurched and died a few times before I finally limped it into the garage where it died and then refused to start.

I have a shop manual and did a bit of troubleshooting but I was hesitant about messing with the throttle bodies. I checked for vacuum leaks as best I could but didn't find anything obvious. I decided to replace the fuel filter located on the frame under the passenger side.

I located an AC/Delco fuel filter and decided that while I was at it I would replace the fuel pump. I found a new 82 AC/Delco fuel pump and ordered it along with a new AC/Delco filter sock for the fuel pump. I figured since the fuel pump was 27 years old it couldn't hurt.

Getting the pump out of the tank wasn't that hard although with the limited space getting the 3 fuel lines off was a challenge. Anyhow, after removing the fuel pump it immediately became apparent what the problem was.

There is a small rubber hose about 3" long that connects the pump to the fuel line. there was a split down most of the length of the hose and the hose felt like a marshmallow. It was literally disentegrating before my eyes. If I touched it, pieces would fall off.

So I installed the new pump, which came with a new piece of hose, clamps, a new plug in connector with splices and a new rubber isolater for the fuel strainer.

I buttoned everything back up, reinstalled the battery cable and turned the key. It started right up and immediately went into a nice smooth and steady idle. I warmed it up a bit and took it out for a test drive. I was amazed. It ran perfectly. Idled perfectly and accelerated perfectly. I guess I hadn't noticed over the years how bad it was getting untill it got so bad all of a sudden but I definately noticed how good it got after the new fuel pump was installed!

I guess the whole point of this is that for everyone out there with an 82, that little rubber hose attached to the fuel pump will fail at some point. I doubt mileage is a factor. Age is the enemy. If you are experiencing symptoms similar to mine it could be a fuel delvery problem. Apparently my fuel pump was pumping most of the fuel right back into the tank.

As a footnote. Some people replace the 82 fuel pump with an 85 fuel pump. The 82 is a low volume pump and is rated for 20 psi. The 85 pump is rated for 60 psi and gives much better fuel flow. The downside is the possibility of blowing the fuel pressure regulator in the throttle body as it is only rated for 20 psi. Some have had issues, others not. Since I have no intention of modifying the L-83 I went with the stock 82 pump.

 

Ok, I have to ask, how do you get access to the fuel pump without dropping the tank? I have an 82 and think it's time that I change my fuel pump but I've not figured out how to do it. I know I need to get a good manual but I've been putting it off. Any advice you can provide is appreciated.

 

It all comes out through the gas lid after you remove the lid and bezel.
Be careful you dont scratch the paint its a tight fit.

 

It's actually pretty simple. First remove the negative cable for the battery. Then you remove the fuel door (4 screws) and then remove the rubber liner and disconnect the drain hose from the liner and then slide off the fuel lines (3) and unplug the electrical connector.

Then you remove the 8 bolts that hold the assembly and carefully tilt and slide out the pump and fuel float assembly. Instructions for the install of the pump to the bracket come with the pump but its pretty self expanatory when you see it.

Make sure you get a new fuel strainer because your old one will be pretty bad and its needed to keep the warranty on the new pump. They run about $10. The AC/Delco pump is on sale at Mid America for $79 and they also carry the AC/Delco strainer. The strainer attaches to the bottom of the fuel pump.

 

Had the same thing happen to me. You don't have to drop the tank. Remove the filler assembly, and the 8 retainer bolts and (The Hardest Part) hoses, then lift it out. It will look like you cant pull it through, but it will come out. Just twist and angle it out slowly. Make sure your battery is disconnected before you start!!!!

 

Use blue painters tape around the body hole rear deck area to avoid scratching your paint. I also laid down and taped painters plastic along the rear deck to avoid spilling and gas onto the paint.

The fuel sending unit comes out of the top rear with a few twists and turns and a few swear words.

B.

 

I had the same problem about two months ago, car was starving for fuel, hesitating, etc. ME and a good friend replaced the fuel pump and found the same worn out rubber hose your refering too! As Brent stated, it does come out after a few swear words . My 82 runs great now, and just in time for the summer months.

 

Hi, new here...I realize this is an ancient thread to you all, but its new to me. i just picked up an 82 ,cheap, but full of little problems. it ran so poor it died on test drive, and run rough as a cobb. recently i have been pooring over theads to help me fix my ride. i was about to order a new intake and carb, dissy, etc to convert my catchfire over. btw the whole using starter fluid on intake to find leaks, kind of dangerous, my sparked after i doused it with starter fluid, massive fire ball, and engine on fire. fortunately i didn't have my head down close to the manifold, or would have been badly burned. i think carb cleaner , brake kleen, wd 40 would be a little safer. just my opinion.
anyway i found this thread, and knew instantly this had to be the same problem my car had. after spending hours cussing, i pulled my fuel sending unit, and wala split in hose. i was kind of rough with the sending unit, so i opted to just get a new one from erkels. fixed bouncing fuel gauge but more importantly the car is now very driveable and runs awesome!! no plans to replace intake now, i love the way this thing runs. i am sorry for all the rambling, but i just had to say thanks to everyone who posted on this thread. you all just saved me a lot of money and hassle!!