Hey all, I need some serious help here. I have an 85 Bird with 2.8 ltr automatic.

I replaced the fuel pump about 5 years ago and haven't really driven it all that much.

I took the car to a shop and had them clean the injectors and everything was working fine until one day when it started fine, went about 50 feet and died.

I was told that I needed to replace the fuel pump, but when I turn the key I can hear the pump pressurize.

I replaced the fuel filter and the relay switch and still have issues, I do not have a guage but did the push the stem in like a tire test and only got about 1 inch of spray from the fuel line.

Could it possibly be the Fuel pressure regulator??

If so, how do I replace that item?

I sure do hope so, I do not want to have to drop the rear end again and remove the tank.

If I do have to replace the pump, does anyone know of an easier way to do that?

Please, I need as assistance as soon as possible to get this resolved quickly.

Thanks all! You are the best!

 

Get a pressure test gauge, then tests can be done to determine if it's the pump or the regulator.

 

I have seen alot of different testers out there.
Is there a particular type you would recommend to use for this model car?

 

One that fits and shows pressure up to 100 PSIG.

 

ok i have a 3.1l and ran into a similar problem except i had a combination of problems one thing i have realized is if you are having any kind of problem with the fuel delivery on these cars its almost always the same thing its either pump filter injectors, or what could possibly be a combination. my issue was the seal ring on my tank corroded and allowed moisture to build up the pump was clogged with rust and debris and it managed to work its way as far forward as the injectors i pulled off the intake and took out the injectors fuel rail and fuel pressure regulator, needless to say what i found wasnt pretty. my suggestion if you know you dont have a sensor problem start at the back and work your way forward because believe it or not taking the tank out is alot less time consuming and cost effective than pulling apart the upper engine just to figure out something simple. if your tank doesnt have a good seal in the rear it could also cause a problem because if its not sustaining enough pressure your not going to get enough fuel up front.

 

out of curiosity, how did they clean the injectors? Did they add a fuel injector cleaner
or did they have them cleaned and flowtested? There are some additives/cleaners out there that are really great products...we actually carry a couple, though they work, it is sometimes a just a temporary fix.

 

I do not how they cleaned the injectors. I do know that when they finished with the cleaning I had asked for, the car ran alot better and I was told it would easily pass emission testing.

The car ran very well for about a month after work was done and then just suddenly quit, I just finished hooking it up to a fuel pressure tester and was actually surprised when the needle on the guage DID NOT even flinch, I have zero pressure even though when I turn the key I can hear the pump prime.

When I removed the guage, it had fuel in it, but apparently not enough to even register pressure. I am stumped at this point.

Could it possibly be the fuel pressure regulator or should I just go ahead and have a new fuel pump installed and take it from there?

I really appreciate the help you all have given me and need to get this resolved so I can renew my car tags and not have it towed where I live. I am running out of time.

 

take a pair of vice grips and pinch off the return line were it is rubber and recheck the fuel presure if the presure jumps up the regulator is bad if it dosent go up the pump is no good

 

be carefull witht he vice grips so that u dont cut or tear the rubber line wrap the jaws of the vise grips with a bunch of electrical or duct tape first or wrap the hose were ur going to clamp the vise grip on with lots of tape first

 

Thanks, I will check that first thing in the morning and see where I need to go from there.

 

Hey all!

I checked the fuel pressure and it didn't even register, when I disconnected the guage I noticed there was fuel in it so I know I had it hooked up right.

This may be an out of this world question but I started thinking about an alarm system I had installed in 2004, it is a python 1600xp system and the only item I never had activated on it was the power window feature (obviously because I do not have power windows)

I was thinking about when the car died and would not start.

When it quit running (my wife was driving it), I remember going outside and I noticed that the car kept trying to start automatically (it has remote start) which was very odd seeing how she had put the key in the ignition, placed it in gear and started driving.

I went out to the car tonight and checked on resetting the valet function, when I did that it seemed as though the car wanted to start but still wouldn't.

I also noticed tonight that during the entire time that I tried to start the car I heard the fuel pump priming. I had not heard it trying to prime while I have turned the key until I reset the valet feature.

Could there be an issue with the alarm system keeping the car from starting? If so, how would I correct that?

Thank you for your expertise and patience!

 

Well, so much for that thought! Dammit!! Guess I need to decide now if I am going to continue shelling out bucks on this car or just send it to the grave. Anyone looking for an85 that needs work????? lol