1995 Firehawk
AzTrifecta
09-01-2020, 05:42 PM
Greetings, first time posting here. So, a friendly hello to everyone! 😊. We have a 1995 Pontiac Firehawk. I didn’t see a board for Firehawk’s. So apologies if I’m in the wrong place. The car belongs to a family member that no longer drives. So it has been sitting in a garage for a while. I tried to fire it up yesterday. But it wouldn’t start. Tried to jump it, thinking it was the battery. But still it wouldn’t start. So I’m thinking now it’s the fuel. I’m not familiar with any Mechanics in this area. So I’m wondering how difficult it is to drain the fuel in a car like this? I drive a Ram Powerwagon. It’s a lot easier to get to under! Lol 😝 I would appreciate a walk through “how to” if it’s not too much trouble. Many thanks in advance!! 😊😁
Blue Bowtie
09-04-2020, 07:54 PM
Welcome Aboard!
Coincidentally, I recently reviver a low-mileage 1996 Impala SS (similar LT1) which had been in extended storage. Disconnecting the fuel pressure line (or return) line from the fuel rail near the firewall and connecting a large hose over the fitting allowed me to power the fuel pump via a jumper in the relay socket (underhood) and nearly empty the tank. As soon as the pump began to sputter, I shut off the pump, allowed the remaining fuel to pool in the in-tank pump unit reservoir, and cycled the pump one more time until the flow stopped.
With the tank nearly empty, I added a 5-gallon can of fresh, LOW octane fuel to help re-suspend anything in the tank and provide enough volatility to actually run the engine successfully.
That could get the engine running, but don't overlook all fluids, like engine and trans oil, and particularly the brake fluid since it tends to attract and absord atmospheric moisture - Even in the desert. Also, once it is running, a change of the fuel filter after a tank (or so) of fuel is expended is probably going to be a really good idea.
Coincidentally, I recently reviver a low-mileage 1996 Impala SS (similar LT1) which had been in extended storage. Disconnecting the fuel pressure line (or return) line from the fuel rail near the firewall and connecting a large hose over the fitting allowed me to power the fuel pump via a jumper in the relay socket (underhood) and nearly empty the tank. As soon as the pump began to sputter, I shut off the pump, allowed the remaining fuel to pool in the in-tank pump unit reservoir, and cycled the pump one more time until the flow stopped.
With the tank nearly empty, I added a 5-gallon can of fresh, LOW octane fuel to help re-suspend anything in the tank and provide enough volatility to actually run the engine successfully.
That could get the engine running, but don't overlook all fluids, like engine and trans oil, and particularly the brake fluid since it tends to attract and absord atmospheric moisture - Even in the desert. Also, once it is running, a change of the fuel filter after a tank (or so) of fuel is expended is probably going to be a really good idea.
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