AARGH! 4 months ago I replaced my fuel pump. Yes, I went to Checker as I was desperate. Bad move, because it's shot, again, or at least sounds like it. It howls, and then the car dies. The fuel smell is real bad and the the tank appears to be over pressurizing, or something is seriously heating up in there. I can completely remove the cap and have it still depressurize for a solid second after that.

I want a pump I can put in and have last for 12 years like the original one did! Recommendations?

Not only that but I don't think the stock muffler will survive another hammering to get it off of there, so what muffler should I get? keep in mind I just dropped a little cash on a camera so I'm not exactly rolling in dough.

Thanks!

 

Get an AC Delco pump. As far as mufflers, I like Dynomax.

 

I went to checker for mine too.. but I shelled out the extra green for a delco unit, as I always do.. the whole reason I go to checker is their in-stock selection of delco parts. Delco is your friend.

 

I want to say I got the 80+ dollar AC Delco unit from Autozone. I know I said Checker, but now that I think about it.

So no-one likes Holly? Should I think abnout external in-line?

Should I also replace my FPR? It's stock.

Thanks!

 

Chris,

Have you determined conclusively that your pump is at fault? I'm asking because>>>>


It howls, and then the car dies.

This symptom alone does not yield any conclusion. It could be a couple of things.


The fuel smell is real bad and the the tank appears to be over pressurizing, or something is seriously heating up in there.

It sounds like the fuel tank vent isn't functioning properly, causing the fuel pump to labor as in-tank pressure builds. Have you performed a diagnostic check on the EECS (Evaporative Emission Control System)? This system includes the charcoal can, check valve and solenoid. Any one of these could cause a backup of pressure in the tank, causing your fuel pump to scream.


I want a pump I can put in and have last for 12 years like the original one did! Recommendations?

Like any other products, one person's experience may be completely different from another. I can only speak from my experience. How much power are you planning on making? If it's stock or relatively stock, go with GM's Buick Grand National pump. It will install with no modifications. I myself use this pump in-tank in addition to an in-line. You won't need the in-line. Or if you plan on a substantial power increase, go with Walbro's 307.


Not only that but I don't think the stock muffler will survive another hammering to get it off of there, so what muffler should I get?

Can't really help you with muffler selection because everyone's taste in "what sounds good" is different". Not only that, but the same muffler on different cars (engine, mods, etc) can sound different. What I can suggest is to have your tail section flanged. When you have your muffler replaced, have a 3-bolt flange installed on it's outlet. This will allow the muffler and tailpipes to easily be removed from the car. Have another flange installed on the intermediate pipe either on the "upswing" portion or just before the turn up. This will allow this section to be removed, allowing fuel tank removal much simpler.

Willie

 

I'll run through those tests tonight, but with or without the cap on, the pump howled just before the car died.

Thanks for the suggestions!!!!

 

The Walbro pump is on the way. THanks to everyone for their help!

 

I may be a lil' late, but as far as muffler's are concerned, I got the Flowmaster 40 series for $175 installed. I thought it was a really good deal and it looks/sounds great (you heard my car) Just my .02

Bruce (90RS305)

 

Chris,

Are you up and running yet??

 

I have the pump, just haven't installed it yet. This thing is WEIRD! If it's going to have a problem it only does it at about the 1/3 - 1/2 fuel level (capacity). Otherwise it's fine! It didn't do it so far this tank, and although it did it the last tank it didn't the one before. Usually I have only a little pressure on the cap when I release it. Maybe 3-5 seconds worth if I only crack the cap. If it's warm out or the tank is close to empty I'll hear the pressure relief go off as I close the car door. The 3 times (so far) the fuel pump has screamed and the car has died the pressure in the tank has been so extreme that I could get the cap completely off and have it still rattle the little metal flap over the hole. That, and even though I've released the pressure the fuel pump still screams and the car dies.

I'm planning on replacing the pressure relief valve today, as I don't have to drop the tank to do it. I have the Walbro 190 lph pump, but not a muffler, yet. I'm thinking that I'll need to do the pump this weekend. I *might* be able to get the muffler on Friday. Worse case scenario I'll repace the pump and not the muffler.

 

Hey, nothing wrong with a lil' open-ended V8...:rockon:

 

If the problem is intermittent, it sounds like the culprit is the canister purge solenoid. Did you check the EECS system as I mentioned before? If the solenoid not closing (or closing intermittently) when then engine is warm, this will cause a pressure build-up in the tank -- more pressure, the harder the pump has to work, heating the pump -- whining will result and if it's severe enough, the pump will shut down and won't run again until it's cooled down.

It's possible that this problem is aggravated when the fuel level is low (1/2 tank or less) due to the cooling ability of the fuel itself. More fuel in tank equals a greater ability to keep the pump cool.

Willie

 

Is it a half-way decent(sp?) idea to change that over the life of your car? I know 110% that EVERY SINGLE PART ON MY CAR was from the factory when I bought it 16 months ago, so would I benifit from a new canister? I'm not having any problems with it right now, but I'm just not sure if they are designed to out-live my camaro...

Bruce (90RS305)

 

back when I was having problems with my fuel pump (fuel pumpS) I should say, I kept replacing them week after week until finally I realized it was crap floating around in the tank, so I got a new tank, and a nice AC delco pump, now the pump is super quiet and havn'et had any problems since. I know fuel pump problems are hell, because I just went through it as well as trannny problems, wiring problems, and..................................*** I'm starting to hate thirdgens

 

I have a Walbro as well, the 340M. My new Spintech setup is wicked sounding on the car. My Hooker setup also sounded real good, sold it to James. Whatever you do, stay away from the Fartmaster mufflers, the droning sound will drive you nuts.

 

I most definitely dissagree, You have a 305 Chris and you said you like the way mine sounds. I love my FlowMaster! Wasn't a huge shot to the pocketbook, either...

Bruce (90RS305)

 

Well the thing I've got against flowmaster is that the flow is not as good (dyno proven) as some of the higher cost straight through stainless muffs, such as the magnaflow's and Borla Xr-1's. I've got magnaflows' on my firebird, and it sounds killer. Not to mention, every one and their mother's, brother's, sister's, cousin's, ect...has a damn flowmaster on their hick Ford F250 Barn truck. Of course if you like it, then thats all that matters

 

True, I just like what I've got for the money I've spent. I'd LOVE to get me a Borla system but thats just to much $#%@ money for my fun budget. Thing is though, when I got my 40 series put on it was a VERY noticable difference in attittude/accel from the second I left the shop...even for what the #'s say on avg. gain! Hopefully I'm going to figure a way to rig my true duals on and then I was thinking of using dynomax...

 

hey chris
this sounds stupid,but how old is the fuel filter,and have u ran the car w/ a fuel pressure gauge on it to see how the pressure is? it may be a blockage in the fuel line or the presure regulator getting stuck, and making the car get to much fuel and die, along w/ making the pump run to hard and building pressure."but i think ud get a rich condition code" but it doesnt hurt to check the simple stuff. goodluck.
if u need a hand let me know.

 

I've had a similar 'issue' for the better part of a year or so. When my tank gets to around 1/8.. my pump start howling. The car doesn't die.. no change in performance. As soon as I fill 'er up.. it stops. It just howls like a good girl should!

At first I thought my pump was about to kick the bucket and I was going to be stranded somewhere. Nope..not yet.. I've been dreading the drop of the tank to change it too. Anybody have and good experience with it? I just KNOW it's going to go sometime though.

I have the over pressurizing problem as well with the smell of fuel.. but only when the tank is very low. I've opened it up with it full and 1/2 and 1/4.. no serious pressure. The only time it does is when it's almost empty while the pump is howling.

Any suggestions?

Chris

 

my 91 did that right when i got it. driving it back from new mexico the gas tank had tons and tons of pressure and smelled really bad. i replaced the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel smell went away. but i also did the pump a few weeks before. but the smell was still thier
the fuel pump gets loud when theirs not alot of gas because it has to work harder. the fuel is the actual lubricant. if a fuel pump is run dry. it cuts its life span in half. thats why if u run ur car outta gas,ur screwed,cause the sock gets all nasty and u suck all that crap into ur fuel system, and the pump usually wont last to long after.
I've dropped the tanks in both my cars,so i have it down pretty good,lol.
oh yeah, i now have access to lifts and a paint booth at my work.,its sweet

 

Down with Blowmaster products, they suck!!! There are so many other products out there that sound better and cost the same or less.

Listen to my Spintech muffler, however there is more alot more then a 305 in front of it.

Audio Clip ~225KB

 

Sweet! Hope your going to Tucson, we need to talk....

 

I love the way the Hooker sounds... rather badass!!

 

You finally get around to hanging that catback?

What do you think of the clip of the LTs and Mufflex setup?

Swing by sometime after work and Ill take you for a ride, got 300 miles on her now, starting to get into the pedal, its sick!