Hi, this is my first post here so go easy on me.
I have a 1987 Camaro with the computer controlled Quadrajet carbureted 305. It starts and runs OK but occasionally the motor will stumble and die while driving. It doesn’t happen often, but it most likely occurs when I open up the throttle hard from a stop. It does take about 15 seconds of continuous cranking to start, but only if it’s been sitting for longer than a week.
I’ve read all the posts pertaining to the in-tank electronic fuel pump failing, but it seems to run OK with just the mechanical pump. I jumpered power directly from the battery to the fuel pump at the relay, but I didn’t hear the pump run. My volt meter said that it was drawing only 4 volts. There is no voltage to the fuel pump relay, and no connections in the fuse block. I don’t have the 20 amp in-line fuse on the fender that everybody talks about. The only fuse near the battery is the round black “capsule” that is permanently sealed.
Can the mechanical pump work without the electronic pump as well as it seems to work in my Camaro? From what I’ve read it’s not supposed to, but it seems to work for me.

 

If you camaro is stock, it should not have an electric f. pump.
Start by checking for strong spark when its acting up.

 

Really? No in-tank electronic fuel pump then. I guess those were only used on the TBI or TPI cars then, correct? I suppose my next question is what's that relay next to the fan relay on the driver's side fire wall?

When you say check for strong spark, I assume that you may be referring to a faulty ignition somewhere. I'll go through the ignition systems and see what I can find.

Thanks...

 

OK…someone over on the carburetor page tells me I do have the in-tank electronic pump. He can’t hear his run either, but he is getting fuel to flow to his mechanical pump.
I have the fuel pump relay on the fire wall and the 3 wires running to the fuel tank, but I do not have the constant 12 volts at the relay. I checked and I don’t have any blown fuses, and I don’t have the in-line fuse next to the battery. Is the electronic fuel pump wired the same way in my carbed 305 as it is in the V6? That’s where I’ve been seeing a lot of references to fuel pump relay power.
I’m still getting the intermittent stalling issue, but other things to consider are…rebuild carb…upgrade ignition…???????????

 

Ok, so I see some of those carbed v8s had an extra pump. You need to check the fuel pressure & volume.
An egr valve can cause stalling, disable it a couple of days by unplugging the vacuum hose at the valve.
Check tune up parts & filters, is the carb dirty, try cleaning it the bores w/ carb cleaner.

 

I'll try those things you mentioned.

Carb isn't all that dirty, but it's been tinkered with by the previous owner. A rebuilt carb is probably in order. A fresh carb can make a world of difference.

I appreciate your input...thanks.

 

Pull the pump out ok ?

 

Hey hows it going I just dropped the tank on my 87 camaro and I can guarantee you have 2 fuel pumps one on the engine and an electronic one in the tank it only pushes like 3 to 5psi but my ran fine without the other one even being attached.
As far as your issue I would say it most likely is a clogged filter on the carb mine did this all the time about once or twice a month because I had alot of rust in the tank (thats why I droped it and por 15 it) I would start there the filters are only about a dollar to and the electric pump is about 20 or so just a pain to drop the tank I removed the axel completely to allow room to work but I hear you can get it out without doing so it would just be tight

 

I ended up replacing the ignition module and the carb. What a difference that made! It idles and runs much better now.

The guy at the auto parts store ran the module on their tester about a dozen times before it gave a fault code. Something about only going bad when heated up, like in a hot engine bay.

I replaced the carb with a remanufactured one and a lot of the little troubles I had went away. The old carb had been messed with too much by the previous owner, so I just started over with a remanufactured carb.

If my in-tank fuel pump is dead, it appears that the mechanical one is holding its own for right now, so I'm just going to leave it alone and look the other way...