Start it up and it fires and "runs" for about half a second to a second then dies. I can work the gas pedal to keep it running but it's really choppy and it surges, sounding like it has a lopey cam, and it's not drivable. Checked fuel pressure and it came back a whopping 4 PSI. I changed the fuel filter about 2 years ago, any chance that could be the problem before I go swapping the pump? I never ran out of gas and I fill up at half tank religiously.

Also whats up with high performance Walbro or TPI pumps on a TBI system? I might need more flow in the future with a heads/cam swap and I don't want to shoot myself with a stock replacement fuel pump. Will I need an aftermarket stand-alone regulator? Or will the TBI unit be okay regulating all that extra pressure?

 

Looks like you're gonna be dropping the rear end out AGAIN!

That sucks. If it were me I'd just buy the TPI pump anyway and do what I had to do to make it work.

 

I was always taught electric motors I.E. his fuel pump do not lose performance they just stop working when they go bad. I would suggest doing the filter and checking the regulator if it has one first. I guess the diafram in the pump could be worn out but you will want a new filter for your new pump anyway.

 

We just had a local guy with a car that would barely run and shut off all the time, everyone kept telling him it was the fuel pump, and that's how they act when tehy go bad.

 

I can still hear it prime, but I must say it just doesn't sound like it used to. I wanna say deeper tone. That could be my imagination though.

Not worries about the rear end, I'm a master by now, I've had that thing down at least 5 times in the last year fiddling with my Konis not to mention swapping it out once

Its the exhaust that scares me. So anybody know about using a better pump on TBI? Search once again reveals conflicting info. Not even sure which pump to get and where the best place is to get it. I'm thinking stock replacement TPI pump.

 

I'm running the Walbro 255 pump in my 89 RS, TBI car with the stock regulator, and have zero problems with it. As long as your regulator is in good shape, it keeps the pressure where it needs to be without hurting anything. I've had the Walbro in there for about 2 years now. I'm going to be installing a Super-Rammed 355 in the car later this spring, so the last time I needed a new fuel pump, I just installed the 255 so I wouldn't have to mess with it when the motor goes in. Of course you can't use a TBI pump in a TPI car because it doesn't produce enough pressure, but the other way around is no problem. I say go for it and put a good pump in there now. There's no sense in doing the job twice. Btw, if you go with a stock TPI pump, make sure to get an AC Delco pump and not one of the cheaper, Chinese ones. I've seen those die in less than a year a lot of times. At most parts stores, the Chinese pump is usually the first one that comes up on their computer, but if you specifically ask for a Delco pump, they can usually get it.

 

Excellent info, thanks so much. I rebuilt my TBI about 2 years ago with a new diaphragm and everything so it should be in great shape.

 

Autozone sells the AC Delco pump for TPI for a lot cheaper than anyone else. If you don't go for some high performance pump get the AC Delco it is a lot quieter than the other aftermarket pumps.

 

Yeah, I think I bought my last Delco pump from AZ too if I remember right. Regarding the noise, I actually like the sound my Walbro makes. Lol. You can definitely hear it since they have gears in them instead of the vanes like a stock pump. It's not noisy enough to hear going down the road, but you can hear it when you're sitting in the driveway with the motor just idling. Yeah, if you just rebuilt your TBI not long ago, it'll be fine with a TPI pump. I had also rebuilt mine just a few years before putting the good pump in.

 

Well I just got the TPI pump installed and she runs great! Fuel pump was definitely the problem. Hopefully I can get another 180,000 out of this new one

Is the TPI pump normally sound a bit different than the TBI pump? I notice it's louder and I also hear a high frequency whine coming from it. Never noticed that with the stock TBI pump.

 

Yeah, the extra noise is probably normal. I was never able to hear my stock TBI pump either. Good to hear you got your problem fixed! Man, I thought I was in for another fuel pump replacement on mine last weekend. I went to start it up and head home from work Fri. night, and it wouldn't even prime for 2 seconds when you turn the key on. Took me all day Sat. to figure out that the 8 gauge lead wire that comes off the positive battery cable had corroded through and fallen out. Turns out that's the wire that powers the whole fuel pump circuit. I have to retract my statement about being able to get a Delco pump from Vato Zone. The only one they carry now is made by Master, and judging by the price, it's probably imported junk. I went to all the local parts stores to check on a new pump in case I ended up needing one, and the best brand I could find local was a Carter pump. I'm not too confident in Carter pumps either, considering I've got a dead one sitting on the workbench! So just a heads up, if you want a Walbro, I guess getting it online (Racetronix) is the best option. I'm just glad the pump wasn't actually dead since I would've been forced to put a cheap one in just so I could get my car out of the boss's shop before Monday. I'm so glad I took the time to do a little electrical diagnosis. I had all the tools ready, and was prepared to start tearing everything apart to replace the pump, which would've gotten me nowhere!

 

My dead one even still primed. Thats how I immediately ruled out the relay or any electrical issue. Gauge said 4 PSI though on a fresh fuel filter so I pretty much knew what was up.

We have a local chain of about 10 stores around here called Monument Auto Parts. Know their stuff and make runs between their stores 2 or 3 times a day if one place has something needed by a customer at another place. They had the TPI Delco pump and the new strainer sitting right on the shelf, pump was $98 and strainer was $25. Any other place I called only had the cheapie pumps. I always go there first for my stuff.