Signs of a dying fuel pump?
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 309
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From: Katherine, Australia
Car: 1990 Camaro IROC-T
Engine: L98 Turbo (GT40)
Transmission: THO400
Axle/Gears: Forged axles, 3.23 rear
Signs of a dying fuel pump?
Im fairly sure all my research on here shows that its the case but I just wanted some opinions.
So far the signs are;
- It takes a little longer than it used to, to prime when the ignition key is on and sound like its labouring a little. eg, has 2 different notes when its priming.
- Sometimes the car wont start. It primes, turn the key, it fires briefly, then just keeps cranking. Have to leave it for 2 mins and it will start ok. (Ive had this for a while so it might not me related).
- I can hear in running when the cars idles or at low RPM.
- When driving at constant RPM (cruising) the car surges slightly, just enough to feel and hear a difference in the engine.
- Then the more throttle i use the stronger the lurches and surging, until its enough to stumble and nearly stall. If i stay on it and keep accelerating i get pops and backfiring out of the exhaust.
Would all these things be able to be caused by a dieing fuel pump?
I had a fuel pressure guage buts its dead. So im waiting for another one. But i have a nice big inline pump here i bought for the turbo build that i could put in tomorrow.
So far the signs are;
- It takes a little longer than it used to, to prime when the ignition key is on and sound like its labouring a little. eg, has 2 different notes when its priming.
- Sometimes the car wont start. It primes, turn the key, it fires briefly, then just keeps cranking. Have to leave it for 2 mins and it will start ok. (Ive had this for a while so it might not me related).
- I can hear in running when the cars idles or at low RPM.
- When driving at constant RPM (cruising) the car surges slightly, just enough to feel and hear a difference in the engine.
- Then the more throttle i use the stronger the lurches and surging, until its enough to stumble and nearly stall. If i stay on it and keep accelerating i get pops and backfiring out of the exhaust.
Would all these things be able to be caused by a dieing fuel pump?
I had a fuel pressure guage buts its dead. So im waiting for another one. But i have a nice big inline pump here i bought for the turbo build that i could put in tomorrow.
Could well be a dying pump. The fuel pressure gauge is the right next step. Another way is to capture the O2 sensor output via a scan tool. I diagnosed my stock pump failing when the O2 output steadily dropped in 3rd gear at WOT, but before driveability issues cropped up.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 405
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From: South Florida (NW_Broward)
Car: 1989 Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6 MPFI
Transmission: Beat to heck 700R4
You might actually need that inline pump to drive the car. your in-tank pump is on its way out. Feel proud that you recognize it, instead of realizing it on the side of the road.
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92camaroJoe
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Aug 13, 2015 06:07 AM





