Ok I think I might be having a prob with my fuel pump and wanted to see what you all think about it.

Sence about mid Aug. my car has been getting harder to start either first hing in the morning or after it has been sitting for a while. Before one turn of the key and the car would start. Now I have to turn it 2 times. On the second time it starts. I let the pump prime it's self but it still does it. If it has been running in the last 2-3 hours it starts with no problems. I have all ready check the standards, plugs, wires, tested entire ignition system for the second time. So do you guys think it might be my pump or what?

If it is the pump is there any way to replace it with out having to drop the entire rear end off the car? I don't have the cash for a shop to do it for me. So this would have to be a weekend project for me, becuase the car is needed Monday - Friday.

 

Buy/rent/borrow/steal a fuel pump gauge; that's the only true way to tell.

Yeah, you can do it without dropping the axle down, but it's not recommended. Cutting a big hole in the hatchback "very close" to the gas tank doesn't sound like a good way to me. I've dropped the tank twice; 4 years apart from each other; it's do-able in two days.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)

 

You need the gauge.
I got one & mine confirmed what I suspected.
I was at 10 lbs fuel pressure.
Mine sits at my Santa Monica Beach Condo for sale awaiting funds.
I'm now closer to $325 range for the entire job.
I'm letting a mechaninc with a lift do the job.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Well I'll have to wait on purchasing a fuel pump gauge. Do I just hook it up to the valve on the manifold?

 

Yeah, it's the schrader valve at the back of the intake, in the valley, by the distributor.
Hope ya get good news. Mine wasn't. Damn.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Here's what to look for. A fuel problem resulting in hard starting is usually 1 of these 3 things: Leaking fuel pressure regulator, leaking injector(s), or bad fuel pump.

Hook up the FP gauge and just turn the key to ON. Then turn it OFF. Your fuel pressure should rise to 42-45 psi and hold. If the FP goes up to 45 psi and then drops quickly(within 0-15 seconds) it's most likely a bad fuel pump. If it goes up to 45 psi and then slowly begins to bleed off(within 1-10 minutes) then you probably have a bad injector or FP regulator. A sealed fuel system should hold pressure for several hours to prevent the fuel from boiling and creating air bubbles.

If the fuel pressure drops but you're not sure what's wrong, here is something you can do: Turn the key ON to build up pressure. Then QUICKLY vice-grip the 2 rubber fuel lines(This keeps all the fuel up front). If the fuel pressure still drops, then you have isolated your problem to the front of the car(injector or regulator).

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-Dan
-1990 3.1L RS
-Mods? no
-Slow? yes
-*Slowly* collecting parts for T5 swap




[This message has been edited by CaliCamaroRS (edited November 27, 2001).]

 

Thanks for all the help. i have never had the wonderfull experience of replacing a fuel pump before, and hopfully i wont have to. I will pick a fuel presure gauge when i get my next check and see what happens.

I don't think it will be the injectors. I had them cleaned, rebuilt, and matched back in late September. that had to be the single best thing i ever did for this car!. The fuel regulator on the other hand has been on the cr for 168,000 miles. I'm hoping that's the problem. it is much easier to get to.