sputtering engine

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Jul 26, 2011 | 01:59 PM

itsmeitsitsmichaelt

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sputtering engine

I recently drove my 1996 into town, about ten miles. While in town my 96 began to sputter then completely died. It would not restart. I finally had the car trailered home and placed in the garage. The next morning i went out to see if it would start and to my surprise it started right up. However, a day later it wouldn't start again. Thinking it might be the fuel pump i replaced the pump. after replacing the pump the engine started right up and ran very good, then again after shutting the engine off it would not restart. I then replaced the fuel filter thinking that had to be the problem but to my surprise it didn't help. The car is trying to started but it appears it isn't getting enough fuel. Could this be some kind of sensor problem? Would appreciate any help.

Last edited by itsmeitsitsmichaelt; Jul 26, 2011 at 02:55 PM.

Jul 26, 2011 | 02:31 PM

GKK

Safety Car

Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Northern California

Scan for codes first.

Your 96 uses an OBDII (on board diagnostic II) port so, if you don't have an OBDII code reader, you can take it to any parts store and borrow it (it's very easy to use).

Also, check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. It could also be spark related as in a worn out Opti Spark.

Jul 26, 2011 | 02:53 PM

itsmeitsitsmichaelt

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There is little or no pressure at the fuel rail which has me confused.

Jul 26, 2011 | 04:31 PM

GKK

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From: Northern California

There's your answer.

It could be a bad fuel pump replacement, it's been known too happen with the inexpensive auto store replacements.

Jul 26, 2011 | 04:33 PM

Muffin

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From: Merritt Ils Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by GKK

There's your answer.

It could be a bad fuel pump replacement, it's been known too happen with the inexpensive auto store replacements.

This would be my first guess

Jul 30, 2011 | 12:05 AM

itsmeitsitsmichaelt

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back on the road

The NAPA fuel pump i had installed was about an 1/2" shorter than the one i had removed, may have been the original. When the new pump started it moved the pump away from the pulsator. It was enough to reduce the pressure going to the fuel rail. The new kit had a short piece of rubber fuel line which was to be installed in lieu of the pulsator. After doing this it started right up.

Jul 30, 2011 | 01:35 PM

GKK

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From: Northern California

I just installed a Napa replacement fuel pump on my 91 and it fit the same as the original.

The length was identical to the original and slipped into the pulsator perfectly. The fuel pressure was 42psi at the rail key on engine off.

I remember the Napa fuel pump came with a hose, rubber sleeve and wire harness but, their was no need for it.

Jul 30, 2011 | 07:59 PM

itsmeitsitsmichaelt

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Yeah, i went back to NAPA and asked them about the shorter fuel pump. The guy looked it up and it was showing as being correct. However, after doing a little more research he found a fuel pump just like the stock pump, it showed a picture and it was identical to the original. He was willing to order that one and take back the first one for the original ($91) price. told him i would try the rubber hose which turned out to work great.
The dealer wanted $150 for a new pump. After i told them i could get original GM pump for $129 on-line. They started at $180 first.