Fuel Pump problem?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 0
From: Reno NV
St. Jude Donor '08
Fuel Pump problem?
i had a 1/4 tank of fuel, so i went to get gas. I pull in and fill up. Jump back in, and the car immediately doesnt want to run... stumbles and dies. This goes on for a few more attempts before it wont even sputter. It just cranks away. So i check for fuel pressure. i turned the key on and off a few times to prime, and goto the schrader valve. Nothing at all
I have the car in the garage now, and im developing my plan of attack (something i learned you HAVE to do when trouble shooting these beasts lol)
Electrical first- fuses, relays, contacts for the pump
while i have the pump out im gonna bench test it and see if its spinning
My question, anything im missing, should be looking for or should check first?
Thanks a lot guys
:cheers:
Milan
I have the car in the garage now, and im developing my plan of attack (something i learned you HAVE to do when trouble shooting these beasts lol)
Electrical first- fuses, relays, contacts for the pump
while i have the pump out im gonna bench test it and see if its spinning
My question, anything im missing, should be looking for or should check first?
Thanks a lot guys
:cheers:
Milan
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
Re: Fuel Pump problem? (88'Cubka)
hi new on the form try the return fuel lines to the tank also check the plug in at the rear by gas cap under the lid,it will rust out inside the conector.
also check to see if the evaporation loss can top valve is sealed and does not have a vaccum leak .also the pump only comes on for a second when you turn the key, it might take 2 people to check this out, to see if pump runs,if you are using a test light the current will only be present for a few seconds and then shut off at the back of the car i think it is the green wire.
a fuel pressure regulator leaking at the fuel rail will also cause the pump not to work. hope this helps
also check to see if the evaporation loss can top valve is sealed and does not have a vaccum leak .also the pump only comes on for a second when you turn the key, it might take 2 people to check this out, to see if pump runs,if you are using a test light the current will only be present for a few seconds and then shut off at the back of the car i think it is the green wire.
a fuel pressure regulator leaking at the fuel rail will also cause the pump not to work. hope this helps
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Fuel Pump problem? (88'Cubka)
Definitely the fuel pump. Could be the relay though. Either way, its an easy fix.
Have someone turn the key on and off a few times(and wait for the relay to reset in between) while you listen underneath the rear of the car. Should be able to hear the fuel pump hum at a steady tone for 2 seconds if all is well. If not, check for power at the relay, its between your brake booster and wiper motor. Should find 12V on one wire, and a switched 12V signal on another when the key is turned on. The relay takes about 5 seconds to reset after you turn the key off.
My pump did the exact same thing on the highway, like you described. Sputtered a few times on restarts, then nothing. The pump sounded like crap when it primed the system... it was not a constant hum sound like it should be when priming.
[Modified by CentralCoaster, 12:56 AM 4/16/2004]
Have someone turn the key on and off a few times(and wait for the relay to reset in between) while you listen underneath the rear of the car. Should be able to hear the fuel pump hum at a steady tone for 2 seconds if all is well. If not, check for power at the relay, its between your brake booster and wiper motor. Should find 12V on one wire, and a switched 12V signal on another when the key is turned on. The relay takes about 5 seconds to reset after you turn the key off.
My pump did the exact same thing on the highway, like you described. Sputtered a few times on restarts, then nothing. The pump sounded like crap when it primed the system... it was not a constant hum sound like it should be when priming.
[Modified by CentralCoaster, 12:56 AM 4/16/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Re: Fuel Pump problem? (CentralCoaster)
:iagree:
If you get battery voltage at the fuel pump relay connector, you can also remove the rear gas door, and the rubber mat, to get to the fuel pump connector. Check to see if you are getting battery voltage there too. It really sounds like you need a new fuel pump. The good news is that they are not too expensive, and are easy to replace. Be sure to replace your fuel "sock" while you are in there if it indeed is your fuel pump. :thumbs:
If you get battery voltage at the fuel pump relay connector, you can also remove the rear gas door, and the rubber mat, to get to the fuel pump connector. Check to see if you are getting battery voltage there too. It really sounds like you need a new fuel pump. The good news is that they are not too expensive, and are easy to replace. Be sure to replace your fuel "sock" while you are in there if it indeed is your fuel pump. :thumbs:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa CA
Re: Fuel Pump problem? (88'Cubka)
I had that problem.
After I changed fuel pumps. Come to find out it was that white three-pronged connector the FP plugs into. It had melted. I cut the female part of the connector off and soldered the wire directly to the male's prongs left sticking out.
No more probs.
BIG JIM
After I changed fuel pumps. Come to find out it was that white three-pronged connector the FP plugs into. It had melted. I cut the female part of the connector off and soldered the wire directly to the male's prongs left sticking out.
No more probs.
BIG JIM
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Fuel Pump problem? (88'Cubka)
If you have voltage to that connector near the tank and pull the pump, clean the three contacts just under the mounting flange as they get corroded over time (a tip from Gordon).
If that doesn't fix the problem, replace the pump & pickup screen; you can get an AC Delco set for ~$100. Be careful with the level sensor so as to not mess up fuel level sensing. Have a piece of rubber tubing ready in case the two fuel lines want to seep fuel after disconnected from the tank.
If that doesn't fix the problem, replace the pump & pickup screen; you can get an AC Delco set for ~$100. Be careful with the level sensor so as to not mess up fuel level sensing. Have a piece of rubber tubing ready in case the two fuel lines want to seep fuel after disconnected from the tank.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: De Pere WI
Re: Fuel Pump problem? (88'Cubka)
You could also apply 12volts to aldl terminal g (bottom left) and if your fuel pump kicks on the pump is not the problem because that is directly wired to the fuel pump.
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Re: Fuel Pump problem? (CentralCoaster)
BigJim, that sounds like somehow your new pump was drawing too much power, to melt the plug like that.
-JRC-
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,321
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From: Reno NV
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Fuel Pump problem? (JrRifleCoach)
relay is good and the wiring all the way to the back is fine. Im checking the connections next, but i dont think that will be a problem. There isnt much corrosion here in Nevada... Far too dry :)
I was happy to see how easy the fuel pump was to get at Its like the ONLY easy part to change on a corvette :jester
:cheers:
thanks for the tips guys :)
Milan
I was happy to see how easy the fuel pump was to get at Its like the ONLY easy part to change on a corvette :jester
:cheers:
thanks for the tips guys :)
Milan
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 178
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From: Palm Coast Fl
Re: Fuel Pump problem? (88'Cubka)
I replaced the fuel pump on my 91 convertible about 150 miles ago (a Borg Warner). It ran great, and I changed the fuel filter at the same time. Had the car off the road for aout a month, went to start it this weekend and it sounds like the same problem I had when the pump went the first time (@44,000 miles) It cranks but won't start, doesnt sound like it's getting gas.
Has anyone else had this problem???
Has anyone else had this problem???
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 83
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From: e.bridgewater ma
Re: Fuel Pump problem? (88'Cubka)
see if you hear the pump whine while it primes when you turn the key,
if nothing...check the fp fuse in the panel, check the fusable link near the battery if it has power, check the fuel pump relay for power , make sure the ground and connections are good at the fuel pump ....i just went thru it all and finally got my car started..... :) :steering:
if nothing...check the fp fuse in the panel, check the fusable link near the battery if it has power, check the fuel pump relay for power , make sure the ground and connections are good at the fuel pump ....i just went thru it all and finally got my car started..... :) :steering:
