What can cause a new fuel pump to die? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Jimmy Sean · 08-26-2009, 05:01 PM

I replaced the fuel pump in my 1992 Camaro RS 305 this past Sunday. I was pulling into my work complex and it died, grabbed the key and it started right up. Turned into the parking lot and it died again never started after that. I thought it might be out of gas even though the gauge showed a little under a quarter tank. I went and bought a gas can and put four gallons and the car still won't start.

I check the relay and the fuse by the battery. I have not crawled under the car and tested for voltage at the pump yet because I don't have a multimeter here at work. I cannot hear the pump prime like I did before.

So if the voltage checks out at the tank what would or can cause a pump to die in three days? Well beside it being a bad pump from the start.

BTW the tank looked clean on the inside.

Thanks
Sean

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camaronewbie · 08-27-2009, 12:47 AM

Check the oil pressure sending unit - its above the fuel filter. two larger wires on it run the pump as well as the relay system. Pull the connector off and jump the two larger wires to see if pump runs.

Jimmy Sean · 08-27-2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaronewbie

Check the oil pressure sending unit - its above the fuel filter. two larger wires on it run the pump as well as the relay system. Pull the connector off and jump the two larger wires to see if pump runs.

I actually did that on Monday I broke it changing the spark plugs, so I had to replace it.

I spoke with the guy I got the car from and he informed me that it had a new pump in it that lasted maybe a week. The car sat for a year before I got it. So I suspect that there is something in the tank that is eating the fuel pump.

Saber · 08-27-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Sean

I actually did that on Monday I broke it changing the spark plugs, so I had to replace it.

I spoke with the guy I got the car from and he informed me that it had a new pump in it that lasted maybe a week. The car sat for a year before I got it. So I suspect that there is something in the tank that is eating the fuel pump.

That could be so, what kind of pump is it? Another possibility is if you have a Walbro255 in there it could just be plain bad. A bad batch got out a while ago and they are notorious for failing after a short time, i believe you can do a google search and compare serial#'s for that though.

Jimmy Sean · 08-27-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saber

That could be so, what kind of pump is it?

It is an AC Delco EP241.

I'm going to tear into it tonight. I hope I can get it all done tonight the first time I did it it took 7.5 hours. So after doing it once everything should come apart fairly easy now. I didn't replace the fuel filter last time, not sure why because it is not expensive. I have a new one for this time though. I will be cleaning out the inside of the tank this time. It looked good and clean but I didn't look around inside real good.

TPl383 · 08-27-2009, 02:52 PM

quick way to test the pump is jump 12v from the fues box to terminal G on your aldl port. (bottom left therminal)

This should kick the fuel pump on. If not check all your connections, etc.
You can also unplug the harness and jump 12v right to it under the rear end.

2nd I was gonna say is deff. replace the filter also. Ive seen a few fuel pumps die because of clogged filters.

Also seen brand new fuel pumps die iin less then 100 miles. Been there done that with 2 of em on this current car.

Jimmy Sean · 08-27-2009, 07:56 PM

Well a hour and a half in and I'm ready to drop the tank. The pump is definitely dead. (OR SO I THOUGHT SEE POST BELOW)

I just took the old fuel filter off and guess what!!! IT WAS ON BACKWARDS!!

So can that kill the pump in short order?

Thanks

regal301 · 08-27-2009, 08:13 PM

i doubt it killed it unless it is dirty,always replace the filter and intank sock with a new fuel pump.also check the ground for the pump it or run a new one.a poor ground will cause the brushes in the pump motor to wear very fast.

Jimmy Sean · 08-28-2009, 12:47 AM

It's done, runs ok. I think the TBI is the next thing to go through. That is if the pump doesn't quit again in three days.

I knocked the cat out, doesn't feel quite so choked now. The back section was cracked and tilted.

camaronewbie · 08-28-2009, 10:09 AM

So did you have to replace the pump? I'm curious if the backwards filter killed it, or just kept it from pumping fuel.

Jimmy Sean · 08-28-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaronewbie

So did you have to replace the pump? I'm curious if the backwards filter killed it, or just kept it from pumping fuel.

I had taken my old pump, the that was in the car when I got it and exchanged it for another new pump before I tore it all apart again. I checked the voltage at the tank and it was getting full voltage. So I dropped the tank and removed the fuel pump. Out of curiosity I checked to see if the vaine in the bottom of the pump would turn. The first one I took out didn't but this one did. So I jumped it off of the battery with some leads and it pumped fine.

I put the new pump in even though the one I took out seemed to work. I replaced the postive lead to the pump and the connector that is for the pump and tested it and the ground for continuity.

There was a little bit of stuff in the bottom of the tank, looked like it may be small pieces of leaf or maybe a bug. I clean all of that out.

All in all I'm not sure as to why it wouldn't pump before. The only major thing was that the fuel filter was on backwards.

So I guess only time will tell.