very frustrated need help, fuel pump???
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 528
Likes: 5
From: Kissimmee Florida
very frustrated need help, fuel pump???
This problem popped up last week, happened to my wife first. Car stalls and won't start. Wait an hour and it starts right up, turn it off and try to restart and it just cranks. Acts like no gas. First thing this morning I go out and turn the key to just before crank and can hear something energize for about two seconds (fuel pump??) car starts fine and will drive no problem. Turn off car and try to restart immediately it just cranks. Turn key to just before crank and hear something begin to energize but then stops. Car won't start for a few hours but then acts and runs normal until you shut down and try to restart. HELP!!!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Malta Europe
The thing you hear when you turn on the key is the fuel pump , so yes the fuel pump is still working , I suggest that you get a Fuel Pressure Guage and hook it up to your fuel rail to see what is going on , also make shure that the fuel system on your car is healty , the Fuel Filter is a Good place to start . There are many things that can couse the car to Hard to start or don`t start , maybe your corvette is telling you that it`s time for a good tune up 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
The ECM energizes the fuel pump relay for two seconds when the ignition is activated for the first time in a ten second span. That is to prime and pressurize the fuel system. Will it not re-start immediately after it has started cold, or is the re-start problem, only when warm? I'd hook up a fuel pressure gauge and monitor what's going on. It may be an intermittant pump or relay problem. It MAY not even be a fuel problem.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 5
From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
I had a similar issue, and it turned out to be the fuel pump. Definitely follow the other's advice. But if your car has higher mileage, and the fuel pump hasn't been replaced, you may want to consider doing this, anyway. If you do replace the pump, go with the Delco unit. It's a little more, but it's a quality unit.
The reason for your intermittent problem, may be due to heat. The pump actually relies on fuel for cooling. On hotter days, as the fuel level decreases, there is less to cool the pump. The old pump overheats, seizes, and you're stranded. Give it time, the pump cools, and then it works again.
I don't know if a fuel pressure test will reveal that this is the problem. I say this, because if the pump is priming, when cool, it's probably giving you the pressure you need (i.e. the engine is running). Still, the pressure may be lower than optimal, indicating a pump in need of replacement.
I prefer to rely more on a mileage basis. If you have higher mileage, and an original pump, you may just want to go ahead and replace it.
Good luck.
The reason for your intermittent problem, may be due to heat. The pump actually relies on fuel for cooling. On hotter days, as the fuel level decreases, there is less to cool the pump. The old pump overheats, seizes, and you're stranded. Give it time, the pump cools, and then it works again.
I don't know if a fuel pressure test will reveal that this is the problem. I say this, because if the pump is priming, when cool, it's probably giving you the pressure you need (i.e. the engine is running). Still, the pressure may be lower than optimal, indicating a pump in need of replacement.
I prefer to rely more on a mileage basis. If you have higher mileage, and an original pump, you may just want to go ahead and replace it.
Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by joeveto
I don't know if a fuel pressure test will reveal that this is the problem. I say this, because if the pump is priming, when cool, it's probably giving you the pressure you need (i.e. the engine is running).
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West Az
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
A fuel pressure check under the "no start" conditions could be quite revealing.
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You have all the symptoms of a fuel pump going bad. However, first check the fp when it won't start before you spend the $ for a new one. They are not cheap....at least the OEM replacments aren't. 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 528
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From: Kissimmee Florida
thanks for the tips
I think I'll try the fuel filter first, and see if I can get a fp gauge to check the fuel pressure when I get the no start. The car has 72000 miles. I priced fuel pumps and found one at NAPA for 39.99 where as everyone else wants between 94-101 dollars. Thinking about swapping out the fuel pump with the one from NAPA will let you know what happens. Thanks for the tips.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
I had a similar problem, thought it was the fuel pump, first I got a FP relay-cheap $12. went to change it and found almost all the wires insulation had shrunk back 1-2 inches,and were touching, pulled the pins from the relay, insulated the wires and put on the new relay-all is well now. 
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Denver, Colorado
I had the EXACT same symptoms. I replaced a bunch of stuff, and it turned out to be... (drum roll, please).... a fuel pump.
At least they're easy to get to on these cars.
At least they're easy to get to on these cars.
Last edited by Shovelhead; Jul 16, 2004 at 03:56 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Denver, Colorado
Originally Posted by ravenlunatic
Can someone tell me where the fuel pump relay is?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 528
Likes: 5
From: Kissimmee Florida
The car just stalled again and wouldn't start just cranked. Disconnected battery and reconnected and it started . Really think its a relay and not the pump. Can someone tell me exactly where on a 96 LT1 the fuel pump relay is? Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: baton rouge la
no restart sys
somebody help.i have been to 3 chevy dealers...still have trlb,,,car starts in the am cold runs perfect,if i stop 15 min later turn it off ,it turns over but wont start,it will start after trying 15 to 30 min later,,,i have changed the fule pump and relay,and the ecm,the strange thing is ill start the car and after 10 min or so of driving my security light flashes ans sys is displayed and no codes register,there must be someone skilled enought or experenced enought with corvettes to know or have seen this ,,pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee help..its a 1992 lt1 60k miles.i never changed the sock on the fule pump or filter,because this car runs so good when it runs ,it has to do with a restart,,what the hell is going on,,,thanks tonycorvettehd@bellsouth.net
