Hello,

Long story short, believe I crapped out my fuel pump, want to make for sure that this is what happened before swapping it out. 86 TPI car. I know fuel pump fuse is supposed to be under hood near battery/coolant overflow, maybe just me, but can't seem to see it, or maybe I'm looking for something different than what I think I am. All I can find is a connetor that sort of looks like my relays, but has 2 or 3 plugs coming into it. Help appreciated,

-Dustin

 

My TPI car has a fuel pump fuse that is mounted up on the underside of the body just above the rear diff housing. I also believe a couple fuses in the fusebox could affect the fuel pump. I'm not aware of any fuel pump fuses in the engine compartment but maybe...

After the car has been sitting. Insert the key and turn the ignition to ON (not starting it). You should hear the fuel pump activate for 3 seconds to charge up the fuel system. If you hear the fuel pump charge up (or attempt to charge up) then your fuses are probably good.

If you don't hear the pump energize then you will have to investigate further.

Have you checked the fuel pressure at the fuel rail? Get a pressure tester.

For a really rough test...... Insert the key and put it in the ON position to charge up the fuel system. Then go the shrader valve on the passenger side rear fuel rail. Open the schrader valve cover and insert something into the shrader to push the pin in. You should get a very healthy spurt of fuel. If nothing then your not getting any fuel pressure. Get/borrow a fuel pressure guage though, because you'll still want to know the fuel pressure. If there is nothing though, you won't need a pressure guage to figure that out.

Also, if in doubt change your fuel filter. Do that #1 before you do anything else. Its probably time and a clogged filter can cause major problems. Believe me, you don't want to change the fuel pump if you don't have to!

 

I believe I found the right connector with fuse, according to what others with TPI cars seem to have said. It was inside a connector that looked like a GM Weatherpack, but once I opened it up, instead of finding wires, found a 30A fuse. Right between battery and rad.

Turning key on gets me no sound of fuel pump. Fuse was good. Tested pressure with 100psi gauge at Schrader valve, got 0 lbs pressure. Tested terminal G at ALDL connector, I could hear my relay clicking on and off, but no fuel pump.

Where exactly is fuel filter located? Bought a new one, just not sure where it's found...

-Dustin

 

I believe that fuse is for the ECM - which would also disable the fuel pump and lots of other stuff. Its not the true fuel pump fuse. I use that fuse to clear my ECM error log.

The fuel filter is located under the car - under the seat of a passenger sitting directly behind the driver.

Make sure you use back-up wrenches on the pipes so you don't twist them. Relieve the fuel system pressure first by pulling the fuel pump hose and running the car until it dies. Or just open it up and some extra gas will come out. Also relieve tank pressure by opening up the gas cap.

It sounds like your normally hearing the fuel pump, so that means your fuses are fine.

Good luck...

 

I believe you mean my fuel filter is located under rear seat drivers side? By back up wrenches, you mean flare-nut wrenches as well?

I've gone through all steps to relieve pressure. Can't start car because I can't get enough fuel pressure to start it, so I'm pretty sure it's the pump.

One last thing. By disconnecting fuel line from fuel filter, would I be able to use that to siphon all remaining fuel out of my gas tank? I just have about 1/8 or 1/4 tank of fuel left, and I'd like to drain it first if possible before dropping tank.

-Dustin

 

Yes, I meant filter.... (edited above) Yes, ideally use flare-nut wrenches and use one on each side of the nut your turning so the pipe doesn't twist.

Try the filter to make sure your filter wasn't clogged. If that doesn't work then go for it.

I've heard of some people draining their tanks using their pumps. I can't vouch for the safety though.

Are you going to be able to pull the tank w/o dropping the axle and removing the exhaust?

 

You might also want to change that 30 amp fuse you found to a 20 amp fuse which is the size it should be.