On an 85 TA...Is there a way to sort of hot-wire the fuel pump so that I know it's getting power when I start the car? The fuse looks fine, and the ignition system is also good, but the engine won't start - it's getting no fuel. Now, the car has been sitting since 97, but the tank was empty, so it's not bad gas. We put in about 5 gallons of gas and a bottle of fuel injecter cleaner, but still have nothing, so we're begining to think the pump just isn't getting any current. Is there a way give it power directly?

 

If you turn the car off, wait about 10 seconds, then turn it back on, you should be able to hear the pump run for a couple of seconds.

Try some starting fluid in the intake, see if it will run that way.

All sorts of varnish forms big crusties all in the fuel system of cars that sit up without proper preparation. Don't be surprised if you hear the pump run but still get no fuel, because the tubes in the tank might be completely stopped up.

Lacquer thinner works a whole lot better than fuel injector cleaner. Be careful not to get it on the paint though.

 

Starting fluid in the air cleaner worked, for a split second. Then it backfired. I'll check the wires again to make sure I didn't cross any, but I'm 99% sure I have that right, I just don't know what else would cause the backfire besides a total lack of fuel.
And no, you can't hear the pump run, thats what got me thinking it just wasn't getting any power.
Thanx

 

your relay might be bad or your pump might be toast. crawl under the car and i think you can get to the power harness for the pump, unplug it and check it with a voltmeter to see if you're getting power

 

Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

 

Isn't pin G on the ALDL the fuel pump test wire? Or is that for the TCC?

 

Can you dumb that down for me a little? I mean, I'm pretty proud of the fact that I know more than most girls, but you still lost me with the letters. Thanks.

 

Ok ok ok, pin G on the assembly line communications link is where you put the battery power to test the fuel pump. and I'm assuming TCC is torque converter clutch? as it turns out, I learn a lot when I read the book thats right in front of me. thanks again

 

Ok, on the lacquer thinner, how much do I need and should I dilute it before putting it in the tank? Also, there's probably 4 gallons of gas in there now, so should I pull that back out first too?
Thanks for the suggestions so far, we've figured out that the pump will work, it just can't run right now because it's so full of gunk.
Thanks in advance for anything else.