82 Fuel Pressure reading
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: PA USA
82 Fuel Pressure reading
Hello All,
I'm trying to work through the "82 Sticky" posted here on the CF to figure out why my '82 won't start. Now it ain't been run in over 1-1/2 yrs but when it was it ran fine. I got to the part in the "82 Sticky" on fuel pressure so I put a fuel gauge to it and think that might be my problem. Now I never added a fuel gauge to this car or any for that matter. I know I should have 9-13 psi. I'm not gettting that. The car won't run on its own at all. It barely runs even with me 'feathering' the gas pedal. I'm going to try to post a short video of the car and the pressure gauge. The gauge is installed directly after a new fuel filter. The problem of not starting is the same before I changed the fuel filter and added the gauge as it was after the new fuel filter and gauge was installed. Is there anyone who can confirm that my suspicions are correct, that the fuel pump is bad? If not what could you suggest. What exactly should the gauge do if the pump is good? I assume after the intial 2-3psi to prime the system, when I go to start the car the gauge should jump to about 13psi. Am I wrong?
I'm trying to work through the "82 Sticky" posted here on the CF to figure out why my '82 won't start. Now it ain't been run in over 1-1/2 yrs but when it was it ran fine. I got to the part in the "82 Sticky" on fuel pressure so I put a fuel gauge to it and think that might be my problem. Now I never added a fuel gauge to this car or any for that matter. I know I should have 9-13 psi. I'm not gettting that. The car won't run on its own at all. It barely runs even with me 'feathering' the gas pedal. I'm going to try to post a short video of the car and the pressure gauge. The gauge is installed directly after a new fuel filter. The problem of not starting is the same before I changed the fuel filter and added the gauge as it was after the new fuel filter and gauge was installed. Is there anyone who can confirm that my suspicions are correct, that the fuel pump is bad? If not what could you suggest. What exactly should the gauge do if the pump is good? I assume after the intial 2-3psi to prime the system, when I go to start the car the gauge should jump to about 13psi. Am I wrong?
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
Our cars like a more fuel pressure than the stock unit. Plus, your pump has been steadily loosing pressure over the years so time to upgrade!
Get yourself a 85-89 corvette fuel pump. It will be a direct bolt on, higher pressure than the 82 model and won't overwhelm your system and will make an instant BIG difference.
There is another post on the board that has pictures of step, by step how to swap out your fuel pump. If you are reasonably handy, you can do it in less than one hour.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: PA USA
Thanks billschroeder5842 for taking the time to respond - I just was looking for a little reassurance. I've had the car since 2000 and never had any problems with it. It not starting when it normally does caught me off guard.
Your right I have seen some good step-by steps for a pump swap. Actually someone just did a nice post yesterday.
Your right I have seen some good step-by steps for a pump swap. Actually someone just did a nice post yesterday.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
your pump pressure should go to 12-15 at start .the regulator is in the drivers side throttle body.the best place for fuel pressure reading is between the T B s.Your reading at the filter tell me your pump is bad and or the sock on the fuel pump is plugged .when you take out the old pump replace the old rubber lines they can leak.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
For whatever this is worth:
If a person put the upgraded higher pressure fuel pump in the fuel tank...STOP and think what does GM do on those Corvettes that have the SAME higher pressure pump????
First off with the pump pressure being so high.... I would use TWO clamps on the rubber PRESSURE hose at the sending unit...JUST LIKE what GM does on the 1995-1996 Corvettes.
Inside the tank at the fuel pump I use the higher pressure rated hose also.
Then anywhere the pressure line has a hose..I replace it with new hose and I use the bio-fuel hose that is rated at 220 PSI. I know it is overkill due to regular 3/8" fuel hose is rated at 50 psi...I figure....when I am there...why not make sure the hose is really good.
DUB
If a person put the upgraded higher pressure fuel pump in the fuel tank...STOP and think what does GM do on those Corvettes that have the SAME higher pressure pump????
First off with the pump pressure being so high.... I would use TWO clamps on the rubber PRESSURE hose at the sending unit...JUST LIKE what GM does on the 1995-1996 Corvettes.
Inside the tank at the fuel pump I use the higher pressure rated hose also.
Then anywhere the pressure line has a hose..I replace it with new hose and I use the bio-fuel hose that is rated at 220 PSI. I know it is overkill due to regular 3/8" fuel hose is rated at 50 psi...I figure....when I am there...why not make sure the hose is really good.
DUB
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: PA USA
Thanks guys for the replies and the site pics. I realize the best place for the fuel pressure test is in between the TB. I don't have the equipment to test it there. Dynamic CF Solutions aren't around anymore and I can not find the fuel pressure gauge installed on the fuel line anywhere. I guess I got what I was looking for, a pressure reading nonetheless...
I'm gonna replace the pump and see what happens at that time....
I'm gonna replace the pump and see what happens at that time....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...9o0&ajaxhist=0 you can make your own .this is for a pressure tester .take out the middle connection and put in a gauge if you want
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Russell-6392...tVAv78&vxp=mtr this is just a pic . I think you would get 8n to a 3/8 line
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
the rubber line will work just fine .but if you go an metal fitting to metal fuel block I think there would be even less chance for a problem and it looks better.But I also like the idea of using just a pressure fitting that will connect to any pressure gauge test fitting .http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Fuel-Inj...665270&vxp=mtr
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Using stainless braided hose an AN fitting is do-able for a permanent setup IF you choose.
I prefer to use solid metal lines if I make anything for this area.
DUB
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: PA USA
Terry, Larry and Dub thanks for the input. Terry & Dub you make good points. Dub sort of nailed what I was picturing in my head with the stainless braided line and AN fittings. I'm liking Larry's idea too. Looks simple and it must work or you wouldn't use it.
When the pump goes in and things get running I'll have to decide then.
When the pump goes in and things get running I'll have to decide then.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Fuel pump replacement
I think my pump is going out but wanted to stay with a stock pump so I don't have all the upgrades to do with an 85 pump. Is it really worth going the upgrade route? The stock replacement is supposed to be rated 15 min and 29 max from dealer. Note: the 20 amp fuse next to battery isn't blown but melted and hot to touch when pulled.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 127
Likes: 37
From: Brentwood, Tennessee
82 fuel pressure
I think my pump is going out but wanted to stay with a stock pump so I don't have all the upgrades to do with an 85 pump. Is it really worth going the upgrade route? The stock replacement is supposed to be rated 15 min and 29 max from dealer. Note: the 20 amp fuse next to battery isn't blown but melted and hot to touch when pulled.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
- The problem sounds like one I had. The pump was good but the short rubber hose that connects the pump to the fuel line in the tank has either split or has failed causing the line to the TBs to not have enough pressure. I replaced the hose with a submersible hose and everything is good now.
- I'm going to check pressure before and after fuel filter as well. I think I have a problem with fuel pressure sensor in TBI too. Running way to rich
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 127
Likes: 37
From: Brentwood, Tennessee
82 fuelpressure
That is a good idea. Let us know what you find. I am like you I did not want to go to a later model pump. After repairing my pump hose the original pump is putting out 12 to 14 pounds.