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1985 corvette fuel problem

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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 06:42 PM
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Default 1985 corvette fuel problem

Hi,

This past week, i have worked on getting my 1985 corvette running after having been sitting for over 17 years. I have drained the gas, put about 4 new gallons in, changed the oil, new battery, checked spark plugs, new antifreeze. The engine cranks and sparks, but I am not getting any fuel to it. I don't hear the fuel pump running, any ideas on what might be the problem?

Thank you,
Mike
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by drummer4321
Hi,

This past week, i have worked on getting my 1985 corvette running after having been sitting for over 17 years. I have drained the gas, put about 4 new gallons in, changed the oil, new battery, checked spark plugs, new antifreeze. The engine cranks and sparks, but I am not getting any fuel to it. I don't hear the fuel pump running, any ideas on what might be the problem?

Thank you,
Mike
Fuel pressure...?
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 06:58 PM
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After sitting for 17 years, that fuel pump is gone like $1 a gallon gas.
Start with a new pump. Contact Jon at FIC about at least getting your injectors cleaned. I would just replace them myself.
Good luck. Bob
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by blackbear bob
After sitting for 17 years, that fuel pump is gone like $1 a gallon gas.
Start with a new pump. Contact Jon at FIC about at least getting your injectors cleaned. I would just replace them myself.
Good luck. Bob
May very well be true but checking the fuel pressure is free. Throwing parts at an undiagnosed problem is not...

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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 07:53 PM
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don't hear the pump??? Did you check the fuse to the pump? Did you comfirm power to the pump?? Don't jump to conclusions it may be something simple. Maybe fuel pump relay. A repair manual will tell you how to test these things. If you don't have a manual i'm sure there are people here to talk you through the tests. I just went through this with an 87. They did for me I got my help in the TECH/performance forum

Last edited by ken1950; Jun 28, 2011 at 07:57 PM.
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 10:21 PM
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Thanks for the responses. The fuse is good, I can hear the relay click and it is getting 12 volts for about 1-2 seconds. How would I check the fuel pressure?

Thanks,
Mike
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Old Jun 29, 2011 | 08:24 AM
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take the cover off the ALCL and run a 12volt wire (HOT WIRE FROM BATTERY)to the (G) on the ALCL and see if you hear the pump. (KEY OFF) Mines an 87 and my book covers 84-96 hope yours is the same as mine
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Old Jun 29, 2011 | 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by ken1950
take the cover off the ALCL and run a 12volt wire (HOT WIRE FROM BATTERY)to the (G) on the ALCL and see if you hear the pump. (KEY OFF) Mines an 87 and my book covers 84-96 hope yours is the same as mine
If you mean you measured 12 volts at the pump for those 1-2 seconds and the pump doesn't run you very likely have a bad pump. Since it sat for so long it may simply be "stuck". A hot run as described above may get it going. I would not try a direct connection for very long. Checking fuel pressure is a good thing but until the pump runs it will be zero.
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Old Jun 29, 2011 | 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Muffin
If you mean you measured 12 volts at the pump for those 1-2 seconds and the pump doesn't run you very likely have a bad pump. Since it sat for so long it may simply be "stuck". A hot run as described above may get it going. I would not try a direct connection for very long. Checking fuel pressure is a good thing but until the pump runs it will be zero.
And even if a hot run did free it up, it won't last long. If you can't hear it run but are getting the 12V 2 second prime, the pump is bad. 30 minute job to change on a C4. I would flush the fuel lines as well and change the filter. I wouldn't tear into the injectors unless there is a reason to do so.

BTW...to check fuel pressure, attach a fuel injection test gauge to the schrader valve on the fuel rail (looks like a tire valve). You should get around 40 psi at key on, and it should hold close to that for several minutes. If nothing at key on, then run 12V to terminal G on the ALDL which energizes the pump full time and measure again.
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Old Jun 29, 2011 | 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Muffin
If you mean you measured 12 volts at the pump for those 1-2 seconds and the pump doesn't run you very likely have a bad pump. Since it sat for so long it may simply be "stuck". A hot run as described above may get it going. I would not try a direct connection for very long. Checking fuel pressure is a good thing but until the pump runs it will be zero.
I measured 12 volts at the fuse. I did like you suggested and tried the hot run, and didn't hear the pump. I think i will buy a new pump. Any suggestions? Any instructions on how to change the pump?

Thank You
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Old Jun 30, 2011 | 12:30 AM
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Originally Posted by drummer4321
I measured 12 volts at the fuse. I did like you suggested and tried the hot run, and didn't hear the pump. I think i will buy a new pump. Any suggestions? Any instructions on how to change the pump?

Thank You
1. Remove fuel filler door.
2. Remove fuel cap & rubber boot
3. Remove bolts from sending unit assembly.
4. Unplug wiring harness
5. Lift assembly from the tank (carefully)
6. Remove fuel pump, replace with new
7. Reverse the process.

You won't even finish the second beer. This is one area where the GM engineers hit one out of the park. Simplicity at it's finest.
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Old Jun 30, 2011 | 09:32 AM
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Originally Posted by drummer4321
I think i will buy a new pump. Any suggestions? Thank You
http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-AC-DELCO-FUEL...88e0a33c5#shId
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Old Jul 1, 2011 | 04:36 PM
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Thank you everyone, i will let you know how it turns out when i get a chance to open up the fuel tank, haven't had time to yet.
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Old Jul 27, 2011 | 10:53 PM
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Sorry, it took a while to get the pump, but i put a new fuel pump assembly in and it started up and drives.
Thank you to everyone who helped me work out the problem.
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Old Jul 27, 2011 | 11:20 PM
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Always did love a happy ending. Thanks for the update.
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Old Sep 9, 2011 | 09:50 PM
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Originally Posted by drummer4321
Thanks for the responses. The fuse is good, I can hear the relay click and it is getting 12 volts for about 1-2 seconds. How would I check the fuel pressure?

Thanks,
Mike
ive had a problem with the ignition, the chip in the key gets worn and the fuel pump comes on but wont start or even want to, i still dont know why it has done it, i let it sit a couple hours and it fires up, but if any ideas on my issue, please let me know
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