I have been trying to bring my 89 firebird formula (305, TBI) back from the dead of a 8 year storage. The problem I have is that the engine does not seem to get gas. I put 5 gallons of gas in it and it would crank/turnover but would not run. If I spray starter fluid in the carb it will turn over and run until the starter fluid is gone. What I have tired so far is to change the fuel pump relay and under dash fuse and I hear the fuel pump in the tank prime for a few seconds while cranking, but do not get any fuel out the line. I changed the fuel filter shortly before storing the car. I currently have the fuel/return lines disconnected from the engine to check for fuel discharge.

After doing all of this I noticed the check engine light was on and a jumped the diagnostic terminal and I get code 53 which from another post on this forum is “High voltage at battery OR High voltage at exhaust gas recirculation valve OR Voltage reference error OR Problem at vehicle anti-theft system”. I dropped the dash panel and changed the VATS fuse in the convenience center and still nothing. I never really have worked on any car other than basic maintenance and am trying to make myself learn so I do not have much of a background here. Any ideas on what I should try next?

 

If the fuel pump is running but not putting any fuel out the line it sounds like the hose in the tank between the pump and the fuel line has disintegrated and turned to mush and is no longer capable of getting the fuel where it needs to go. If it was a VATS problem it wouldn't even turn over or start with starter fluid.

 

I will give that a shot next weekend and see how it goes. Thanks!