I'd be leaning toward the fuel pump (or pressure regulator) too.
I finally found the problem.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 833
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I finally found the problem.
My 86 has been running very bad recently. Today I took it for another test drive, and the code 44 popped up again. This remeinded me of something someone told me to do along time ago. He said run the car with the fuel pressure gauge taped to the windshield. I did, and when the car started running badly I looked, and the pressure was at 14 psi! I wish I could remember who that was on this forum that told me that! I got it home, satisfied that I know what's causing the problems now. Its not getting enough fuel to the engine. I've replaced the pump and filter a month ago, and I think I may have got a bad pump out of the box? Any ideas?
Last edited by tehcarguy; Aug 27, 2010 at 10:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 833
Likes: 1
I checked the injectors, they all ohmed out at around 17.3. The fuel pump makes a loud, whining sound, but it's not even a month old. The car idles and revs fine, the symptoms only start when I drive it for about a mile.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 409
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From: New York
I had a fuel pump go in one night, yep. I never forgot that job. It was a cold rainy feb night and I was on my back dropping that tank in slushy icey ****ty drizzling bone cold weather man what a nightmare. I was literally frozen to death but I had to get the car running it was all I had. I got the tank down put the pump in after 3 hours in that crap and walla it started and ran wonderfull. I must have sat in that car that night for over an hour defrosting
So next morning I wake up get in the car turn to the run position to prime the pump and of course to hear it prime and I dont hear a thing. Im like no way, no way lol. So I pres further to start the car and nothing, absoulutely nothing. Yep could not believe it the pump did not last an hour. I hope that is not the problem but it is very possible. Check fuses relays grounds and best of luck and f nothing else works give the tank a good hit. You never know lol
Mike
So next morning I wake up get in the car turn to the run position to prime the pump and of course to hear it prime and I dont hear a thing. Im like no way, no way lol. So I pres further to start the car and nothing, absoulutely nothing. Yep could not believe it the pump did not last an hour. I hope that is not the problem but it is very possible. Check fuses relays grounds and best of luck and f nothing else works give the tank a good hit. You never know lol
Mike
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
If you have fuel pressure dropping after driving the car and even with a new fuel pump, you need to suspect all the other components in the fuel system, gas tank sock, fuel line filter, flexible fuel lines collapsing, pressure regulator and check valve in the fuel pressure regulator, and last, the new fuel pump.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 833
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The sock didn't get replaced with the fuel pump. I don't know how many times I told my dad to do that when he replaced it. Is there a way to check the fuel pressure regulator to make sure it's working right?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
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From: Irvine Ca
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
I had a fuel pump go in one night, yep. I never forgot that job. It was a cold rainy feb night and I was on my back dropping that tank in slushy icey ****ty drizzling bone cold weather man what a nightmare. I was literally frozen to death but I had to get the car running it was all I had. I got the tank down put the pump in after 3 hours in that crap and walla it started and ran wonderfull. I must have sat in that car that night for over an hour defrosting
So next morning I wake up get in the car turn to the run position to prime the pump and of course to hear it prime and I dont hear a thing. Im like no way, no way lol. So I pres further to start the car and nothing, absoulutely nothing. Yep could not believe it the pump did not last an hour. I hope that is not the problem but it is very possible. Check fuses relays grounds and best of luck and f nothing else works give the tank a good hit. You never know lol
Mike
So next morning I wake up get in the car turn to the run position to prime the pump and of course to hear it prime and I dont hear a thing. Im like no way, no way lol. So I pres further to start the car and nothing, absoulutely nothing. Yep could not believe it the pump did not last an hour. I hope that is not the problem but it is very possible. Check fuses relays grounds and best of luck and f nothing else works give the tank a good hit. You never know lol
Mike
No sense in others possibly having to go through the same thing.
Jake
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24
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From: tulsa OK
I'm having the same problem kind of. The problem with mine is that it sat for about 7 years before I talked my dad into giving it to me. So me and a buddy get it running and it runs great but after the first day it seems to have less and less power until it just starts falling on its face and will barely run but it will idol just fine but right when you hit the gas it just stalls out.
Its got 2 new fuel filters and have been through 4 fuel pumps trying to figure out why is burning up pumps, because every time I change the pump it runs awesome.
At first I thought I got a bad pump out of the box too, but thats not the case, BTW I still havent got it fixed, this might be the same problem your having. Some one please help US!!!!
BTW mines an 85 completely stock.
Its got 2 new fuel filters and have been through 4 fuel pumps trying to figure out why is burning up pumps, because every time I change the pump it runs awesome.
At first I thought I got a bad pump out of the box too, but thats not the case, BTW I still havent got it fixed, this might be the same problem your having. Some one please help US!!!!
BTW mines an 85 completely stock.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
I'm having the same problem kind of. The problem with mine is that it sat for about 7 years before I talked my dad into giving it to me. So me and a buddy get it running and it runs great but after the first day it seems to have less and less power until it just starts falling on its face and will barely run but it will idol just fine but right when you hit the gas it just stalls out.
Its got 2 new fuel filters and have been through 4 fuel pumps trying to figure out why is burning up pumps, because every time I change the pump it runs awesome.
At first I thought I got a bad pump out of the box too, but thats not the case, BTW I still havent got it fixed, this might be the same problem your having. Some one please help US!!!!
BTW mines an 85 completely stock.
Its got 2 new fuel filters and have been through 4 fuel pumps trying to figure out why is burning up pumps, because every time I change the pump it runs awesome.
At first I thought I got a bad pump out of the box too, but thats not the case, BTW I still havent got it fixed, this might be the same problem your having. Some one please help US!!!!
BTW mines an 85 completely stock.
You need to do the search on fuel pressure! Also, what year is this? Is it an L98 or an LT1?
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24
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From: tulsa OK
Its an 85 l98. BTW its got a new fuel pressure reg top and diaphragm, and about the fuel pressure I had my buddy look at it "he knows alot about the tpi's and at idol its getting perfect fuel pressure but right when I hit the gas the pressure will go up for a sec then just fall off. then after I let off, if it doesn't die it will catch back up with its self and idol just fine. FYI when I put a new pump in it'll run perfect with wheel smockin torque, but its like somethings burning up the pumps. I don't get it. 
Team Owner
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Its an 85 l98. BTW its got a new fuel pressure reg top and diaphragm, and about the fuel pressure I had my buddy look at it "he knows alot about the tpi's and at idol its getting perfect fuel pressure but right when I hit the gas the pressure will go up for a sec then just fall off. then after I let off, if it doesn't die it will catch back up with its self and idol just fine. FYI when I put a new pump in it'll run perfect with wheel smockin torque, but its like somethings burning up the pumps. I don't get it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
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From: Mystic CT
Disconnect the fuel line at the tpi and put it in a jug to get some idea of fuel volume. If low there can be a restriction in the line, this is assuming you have a new fuel filter, making the pump work very hard toget to the 43 psi or so the regulator is set for. This will burn out a pump very easy as it is cooled by fuel and if it needs to be at 70 psi before the restriction to get the right pressure at the regulator it will die. It is not just the pump it is the lines and filter too.
Dave
Dave
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24
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From: tulsa OK
great suggestions guys! 
I will do that. Three questions, how much fuel will I expect to be coming back to the pump to cool it and if I just have it running will the fuel just continuously cycle threw and also will it cycle threw with it not running and the key in ON position. Lastly, Its got a brand new filter is there any other restrictions in the fuel line I may have over looked.
Also, my buddy said a bad fuel pump ground could also cause this. I haven't got to check that yet but does that sound possible too?
I will do that. Three questions, how much fuel will I expect to be coming back to the pump to cool it and if I just have it running will the fuel just continuously cycle threw and also will it cycle threw with it not running and the key in ON position. Lastly, Its got a brand new filter is there any other restrictions in the fuel line I may have over looked. Also, my buddy said a bad fuel pump ground could also cause this. I haven't got to check that yet but does that sound possible too?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 833
Likes: 1
I replaced the fuel pump on mine, and it runs great now. Already put over 100 miles on it the first 2 days!
Sometimes, however, when I first start the car it won't idle right, and I have to keep my foot on the gas for a few seconds before it will idle correctly. Any ideas?
Sometimes, however, when I first start the car it won't idle right, and I have to keep my foot on the gas for a few seconds before it will idle correctly. Any ideas?
