fuel problems
turbo87
11-05-2008, 11:19 AM
My 87 lebaron gts died on me. I ran it really low on gas, put gas in it and it ran fine. The next day it started and ran fine, I shut it off a couple times and it started back up no problem. I shut it off once more and it didnt start. Its not gettin gas, i couldnt hear the fuel pump turn on. So I took the gas line off the injectors to see if it was clogged it was spitting out gas. So I re-connected the line and it fired right up.
Then i went to replace the plug wires cause one of them had ripped when I tryed to check for spark, before I found out it wasnt getting gas, and it hasnt started since and I cant hear the fuel pump turn on anymore. Is there a fuel shut off switch somewhere? Cause I cant find any fuses inside the car, nor looking through the manual for the fuel pump. Or should I just go get a new fuel pump?
Then i went to replace the plug wires cause one of them had ripped when I tryed to check for spark, before I found out it wasnt getting gas, and it hasnt started since and I cant hear the fuel pump turn on anymore. Is there a fuel shut off switch somewhere? Cause I cant find any fuses inside the car, nor looking through the manual for the fuel pump. Or should I just go get a new fuel pump?
KManiac
11-05-2008, 06:13 PM
The best way to check for spark on these cars is to invest in an inductive pick-up timing light. That way you avoid damaging the wires and reduce the risk of shocking yourself. These modern ignitions are much more powerful than the point ignitions of the past and can hurt you severely.
The best way to check fuel system performance is to purchase a fuel pressure test kit. There should be a pressure test port on the fuel rail that uses a schrader valve (like your tire valve stems). Check the pressure at the rail to see if there is any at all and the performance of the pressure regulator. Fuel pump output can be checked directly by disconnecting the fuel line at the filter and connected a pressure gauge to the fuel line to check dead head pressure. Don't assume the pump is bad without checking the output pressures first.
A quick and dirty test of fuel pump performance is to release excess fuel pressure at the test valve on the fuel rail, then turning on the ignition key to see if the pump operates for a second or two. You will not hear the pump operate when you turn the key if you have residual pressure in the line.
The best way to check fuel system performance is to purchase a fuel pressure test kit. There should be a pressure test port on the fuel rail that uses a schrader valve (like your tire valve stems). Check the pressure at the rail to see if there is any at all and the performance of the pressure regulator. Fuel pump output can be checked directly by disconnecting the fuel line at the filter and connected a pressure gauge to the fuel line to check dead head pressure. Don't assume the pump is bad without checking the output pressures first.
A quick and dirty test of fuel pump performance is to release excess fuel pressure at the test valve on the fuel rail, then turning on the ignition key to see if the pump operates for a second or two. You will not hear the pump operate when you turn the key if you have residual pressure in the line.
turbo87
11-07-2008, 04:15 PM
thanks, but that really doesnt help me. I dont have the money to get a pressure regulator, and im not worried about that spark. It fires fine, its just not getting gas. Is there a way to get to the fuel pump without having to drop the tank? I cannot work on cars at my house, i dont have a garage and my town sucks cause if ur car is visible from the road, you cant work on it. So I need to figure a way to get to the fuel pump without dropping the tank so I can see if there is power getting to and from the pump. If there is power to and from the pump, its a clog in the line, if there isnt power to the pump, is there a fuse, relay, or fusable link?
Im not dumb when it comes to cars, ive been working on them since I helped my father do a motor swap when I was ten, but I dont really know anything about these cars, and I dont plan on having it long enough to spend the money on the hanes manual. So......to say again cause all this rambling may have gotten you lost. Is there a relay, link, or something for the fuel pump anywhere other than on the pump, and, is there a way for me to get to the pump without having to drop the tank?
Thanks,
Jerry.
Im not dumb when it comes to cars, ive been working on them since I helped my father do a motor swap when I was ten, but I dont really know anything about these cars, and I dont plan on having it long enough to spend the money on the hanes manual. So......to say again cause all this rambling may have gotten you lost. Is there a relay, link, or something for the fuel pump anywhere other than on the pump, and, is there a way for me to get to the pump without having to drop the tank?
Thanks,
Jerry.
turbo87
11-20-2008, 11:18 AM
problem fixed. for now. i read somewhere online that the mass air flow or map sensor (which ever one is the big power module at the front of the intake) had to be unplugged and plugged back in. to reset it or something. well i did that and the plugs had gotten wet, cleaned them up and she started right up. thanks for the input maniac, and i didnt mean to put u down at all if i did, but i do have one more question.
Cruisin down the highway right around 65-75 (3000)rpms it sputters, but it only does it then. is it a boost/vaccum problem, or would it be fuel?
Thanks
Jerry.
Cruisin down the highway right around 65-75 (3000)rpms it sputters, but it only does it then. is it a boost/vaccum problem, or would it be fuel?
Thanks
Jerry.
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