so, when i try to start my 87 350 tpi, motor turns over fine, after replacing the starter. but when i turn the key on, there's no usual hum coming from he fuel pump and the car won't start. however, if i pump the gas while cranking i can smell gas? is that possible? should i be ableto smell gas like that if my (stock) fuel pump is d.r.t. (dead right there)? thnx everyone.

 

also, if it still is or could be the fuel pump, please recommend me one. setup on the car is all stock, but i would like an in-tank pump that will support future mods, up to about 300 to 400 hp. that, however, will be a long time coming as the stinkin thing won't even start right now thanx everyone

 

first you need to find out if your pump is still good, then find out why it's not getting power, if that's the case. easiest thing to do is check the inline 20A fuse (near the battery? not sure on your year car). i think it goes to the ecm, as well. (does on mine). if it's good, find the relay (should be on the firewall) and you need to see if it's getting power. do a search on it, lots of good gouge. the ecm, by the way, controls the fuel pump, so if you're not getting that initial prime of 2 seconds, the ecm is not getting the input it needs or else the loss of power is at the relay, IF your pump is good. there should be (near your EST connector) a red wire with a black connector all by itself - that goes directly to the fuel pump relay. if you apply 12V (battery power) direct to that, you should hear your pump run, and it will run, not just prime and stop. so first, check that fuse, then put some juice to the relay.

 

Ants,

"Pumping" the accelerator on a fuel injected engine does nothing to add fuel. There is no carburetor, therefore, no accelerator pump. Unless the engine is already flooded, leave the throttle alone to start the engine.

Get the fuel pump operating normally. One thing to remember is that the ECM will operate the pump for only two seconds when the ignition is turned on. The ECM will NOT operate the pump again until the ignition has been turned off for at least 20 seconds then turned on, or the engine is cranked and the ECM receives distributor reference pulses.

You may also be getting excess fuel from the cold start injector system.

A fuel pressure gauge will be very helpful in diagnosing the pump and regulator.