When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi folks. Hoping for some help from the community. I have an '86 IROC 305 TPI. Last weekend was running the fuel down low in order to put in some injector cleaner and a full tank of gas. The plan was to run through that in the next couple of weeks before winter. Car ran fine, filled it up the tank and couldn't start it at the gas pumps. Turned over but would sputter and die. Had it taken on a flatbed to the mechanic, and the fuel pump needs to be replaced. Figure while the tank is dropped, will replace the pump, sending unit and anything that makes sense. I did a search across the forum on "fuel pump" there are a lot of matches, but not certain I came across links to all the correct parts. Just want to make sure we get the right parts and everything needed. Would anyone have some links to the parts needed to order?
As an aside I bought the car brand new, special ordered it actually, back in '86. It was my first new car and years ago thought it would be cool to hang on to it. I had it off the road for a bunch of years stored in the garage when the kids were little, and it currently has 40K miles. I took it out of storage about 18 years ago and at the time changed the fuel pump, gas tank and exhaust since it sat so long. I'm seeing a trend - change my fuel pump every 18 years! Took this pic in the summer, just wanted to include it.....
I have the same issue with mine. The baffled tank has a different sender float extender on the same pump assembly. That is a beautiful car, I would understand the want to stay OEM. I would hang on to the old and compare the assemblies. Verify the new float arm position with the old. I must also add that the wiring is a problem. The ground and the power, Tan, can loose integrity. I made a take out for the ground. Under the L/R seat cushion, it's not a bigger deal, maybe save the circuit. Drilled hole for ground into back of Metal Bracket welded on floor for the cushion too bolt to. This way hide wire and no hole to rust in floor pan. The circuits, wires, are too small a gage for the work they do. I went through 3 pumps in a year and a half before I questioned things. You may want to ask your Tech to test this circuit loaded and also do a drop test. I have to ask. Old Fuel has not rusted out that metal tank, amazing. Merry Christmas.
P.S If you search the schematic you will see how this tan wire runs all over the place to different devices before reaching the fuel pump. good luck
What a beautiful car! Very nice! ...my first car was a red on red 86, but it was just a sport coupe, not an Iroc. Gorgeous!!!! ...and welcome to TGO.
As far as what to buy, are you trying to track down new old stock, parts from the proper manufacturer? If so, I'm not sure where to send you. If you're just looking for the right parts, for a stock 86 Iroc, I'd have no problem having the parts guy simply go into the computer and order one up. I've used 2 no name brand pumps on stock cars over the years and never had issues. For high flow applications, I'm a little pickier about the brand, but you should be fine.
Regarding what Bluiroc said about the baffle, you shouldn't have one in 86. As far as I know, the 89 ILE cars were the first to get any kind of baffle, if you really want to call it that. They were standard on ALL thirdgens by 1990, but there are a few 89 NON 1LE cars that have 'em so he may of had one on his 89. Still, as he mentioned, ALWAYS a good idea to compare new vs. old parts before installing. ...and he's not wrong about the wiring either. SUPER easy way to fix that is with a hotwire kit. It'll plug directly in to the existing harness, and then you just run a wire to the alternator. Totally plug and play and easy to remove if ya wanna go back to stock. Racetronix makes a kit that I've used, but I'm sure there are others. ...still....for a stock Iroc, I don't think it's absolutely necessary.
Thanks very much for the guidance guys. Looking to keep the car as OEM as possible but NOS may be difficult. I'm checking in with the tech today so may have more questions to come. Will keep you posted. Very sound points regarding the wiring and testing the integrity. I should know more as well about the tank. I replaced it about 18 years ago when the pump was done last. Honestly been thinking maybe I should replace it anyway since it needs to be dropped.
Appreciate the compliments! The car is a great conversation starter when it's outside. So good to have the Thirdgens get the credit they deserve!!
I would pull the tank down and out to be sure on replacement. Depending on how it was stored, if not rusty, it may not need replacement at all. Just put in a new pump and go. However, if you need to replace the tank, try to get one with the baffle to hold more fuel close to the pickup during cornering. 90-92 tanks have this as do some aftermarket tanks but they have the wrong threads in the neck for the cap.
Thanks for all of the guidance folks, as well as the compliments on the car. Dropped the tank and it was fine. Replaced the fuel pump and now back on the road. Going to try to sneak in a good run with it before the snow expected on Friday here. Appreciate all of the help!
Should have mentioned in previous post, I went with the Delphi pump. Got a chance to drive the car a bit today. Happy with the pump, works well with the stock setup and it's quiet.
12-09-2021, 08:38 AM
