Fuel Pump Died...again.
Fuel Pump Died...again.
I have a 89 rs camaro. V8. 305. Fuel injected. 150k miles. I bought a spectrum premium fuel sending unit and replaced it due to issues with my gas needle never reading correctly. The car ran great for 3 weeks then I was going down hill and and lost power to everything. The car completely died. Well it ended up being the fuel pump. We supplied power to it and it wouldn't kick on. So we bought a new one and I drove the car maybe 20 minutes down the road and same thing happened. Both times the car had to be towed home. The car cranks and cranks but won't start. From what we can tell without dropping the tank is it's the fuel pump again. Any suggestions on what it can be? What can cause a fuel pump to burn up twice? Did we Get two bad pumps? Bad sending unit?
Member




Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 306
Likes: 49
From: Montreal
Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Fuel Pump Died...again.
The only thing I can think of is the pumps Spectra pumps are just $hit. I have Spectra sending unit in my car but removed the pump it came with and got a Bosch. It's been 2 months so far so good.
Re: Fuel Pump Died...again.
Define "everything". A bad fuel pump will not cut power to the headlights. Or to the radio. Or to the power seats, rear window defogger, the ignition, or the windshield wipers.
If you lost power to "everything", you have a bigger problem than a failed fuel pump.
What is the voltage to the fuel pump at the harness connector nearest the gas tank? Is there a two-second pulse of power on the fuel pump + wire when the ignition is turned on?
Is there any spark to the spark plugs when the engine is cranked? No spark, no fuel pump can be a failure in the distributor.
You need to do a lot more diagnosis before you change any parts.
If you lost power to "everything", you have a bigger problem than a failed fuel pump.
The car completely died. Well it ended up being the fuel pump. We supplied power to it and it wouldn't kick on. So we bought a new one and I drove the car maybe 20 minutes down the road and same thing happened. Both times the car had to be towed home. The car cranks and cranks but won't start. From what we can tell without dropping the tank is it's the fuel pump again. Any suggestions on what it can be? What can cause a fuel pump to burn up twice? Did we Get two bad pumps? Bad sending unit?
Is there any spark to the spark plugs when the engine is cranked? No spark, no fuel pump can be a failure in the distributor.
You need to do a lot more diagnosis before you change any parts.
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 127
From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Fuel Pump Died...again.
Spectra is like Duralast. Should not be your first or second choice.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 15
From: NYC
Car: 1982 Recaro TA, 1989 TTA#948
Re: Fuel Pump Died...again.
What brand pump did you use?
Will the car start with a shot of ether? Did you check fuel pressure?
If both pumps died, maybe the wiring on the sending unit is shorting out, but I would think you would possibly pop a fuse if that was the case.
Will the car start with a shot of ether? Did you check fuel pressure?
If both pumps died, maybe the wiring on the sending unit is shorting out, but I would think you would possibly pop a fuse if that was the case.
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 127
From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Fuel Pump Died...again.
In general I go for AC Delco first, then maybe BWD, then whatever I can find with good reviews.
I try to avoid: Monroe, Gabriel, Duralast, Parts store branded brake pads, Master Pro, etc.
I try to avoid: Monroe, Gabriel, Duralast, Parts store branded brake pads, Master Pro, etc.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 15
From: NYC
Car: 1982 Recaro TA, 1989 TTA#948
Re: Fuel Pump Died...again.
AC Delco lacks the quality it used to have. I believe they are made overseas, possibly China. Then again, every replacement part is probably made in China. I used Bosch and Walbro and have had good luck with them.
Trending Topics
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 127
From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Fuel Pump Died...again.
I don't disagree with you. So many things are made over there now. But the AC Delco stuff is visibily different indicating that it is made with different manufacturer and that may certainly mean better quality. China can produce high quality goods now.





