I'm Stranded

So I am stuck it this hell hole called Jellico Tenn. WTF?

I replaced my FUEL PUMP within three months after I purchased it. Everything was good until I had the same problem again around eight months later. I replaced the FUEL PUMP AGAIN. So thats two pumps in less than a year. What was happening is this.... when I push the accelerator, it bogs down and stalls. Seems to me it isn't getting fuel. I can also feel it when I'm driving, like a short burst then it tries to stall and stop, then another quick burst and then it bogs down again and stalls. I've very recently replaced all the plugs, fuel filter. (and TWO PUMPS)

Today, I'm moving (on my way) to Orlando, and while climbing this mountain in Tenn. my car started bogging down and it stalled. I tried starting it back up right away and nothing. I waited prolly five minutes and it started right up. I started going again and less than one mile later it did the same thing again. I again waited five-ten minutes and it started right up again. I took it to the shop (wherever the hell I am) and the mechanic actually "floored it" and it didn't do a damn thing for them, it ran just fine. He told me he had no idea.

Now it seems to me, if my actual "gas line" (the hose the fuel flows through to the engine) is clogged, then the FIRST fuel pump I put in it would be working double hard to get the fuel to the engine, therefore I have to replace it the SECOND time. That would make sense to me.

Right now I could go outside and start it up and drive it away, but I don't know how long it would go before it bogs out and stalls again, or how far.

What about some kind of sensor? I'm stranded in Jellico, TN <----- WTF is that anyway? Jellico? c'mon

Any help or ideas that can mention to the mechanic would be great because right now I'm screwed and out of ideas. Thanks!

1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer 4x4 (2 door)

Airtex fuel pumps? Make sure the fuel filter is not restricted, then check fuel pressure with the engine cold. Ignition on, engine off, fuel pump running, must be 60psi to 66psi. After the pump shuts off, fuel pressure must remain above 55psi for 3 to 5 minutes. Post your results.


East Jordan is beautiful this time of year ;)

Was the vehicle side connector to the fuel pump changed , over years the OEM on has been know to loose spring tension in the contacts and the heat up and you will see melting in the car side connector.

Thank you very much for you help. I will definatly mention those things to the mechanic. (not that me telling them anything has helped in the past)

I have a couple other ideas....

Mass Air Flow Sensor?
Exhaust Back Pressure Test?
MAP Sensor?

Is there any other sensor/test I can let the mechanic know about? My "Check Engine" light is NOT on so the mechanic (who told me he couldnt help me) said his computer that he hooks up to the car would not tell him anything.

I am absolutely going to have them replace the entire fuel line itself (which to my knowledge has never been done) and also the fuel filter (AGAIN)

In my first post, I mentioned that logic tells me the fuel line itself is plugging up. Maybe some kind of resin or sludge is in there and over time it builds up until I can't get anymore fuel. Then after a few minutes of sitting, the sludge or resin would settle in the line and I could get fuel again, which might make my car start up again. Is any of that even possible or am I just an idiot, because all of that would make perfect logical sense to me. If they tell me I need ANOTHER fuel pump (for another cool fuckin grand) what should I do? I can't just keep dropping fuel pumps into this thing.

PS. East Jordan MI is also FREEZING this time of year :runaround:

Be sure you're getting a Delco brand fuel pump.
Tennessee & Kentucky has many quaint names for towns. I have relatives in Red Boiling Springs and Fountainhead Tenn. but none in Cheap Hill Tn. :>]

Is there an OBDII equilivant to the OBDI 44 & 45 (O2 sensor sensing lean/rich condition)?

If you can't get the proper fuel pressure and you know it's not the filter, electrical connector, ground, or pump, have them check the fuel pressure regulator. It's mounted under the plastic air intake plenum on the fuel delivery "spider" that feeds the injectors (yours is CSFI I think, with no poppets, but please correct me).

This part is about $50 and should take abt 2 hrs of labor to change. Good luck!

What brand of fuel pump did you use on the two that you replaced? (just curious)

Yes, it is a CSFI system.

If there's a problem with fuel delivery, a fuel pressure and leak down test will tell the story, takes 10 minutes to do it. Following the flow chart will diagnose exactly what the problem is, without needless replacement of parts.

Thanks everyone, I've already taken it to the mechanic, so they're working on it right now. I will definitely let everyone know what it is and how much it costs. I appreciate everyones input, this has been a pretty crazy situation.

Awesome, hope you've been able to take in the wonderful sights that are in Jellico...lol. We await word on the verdict. Here's more info on this good ol' blue-collar town:

http://www.city-data.com/city/Jellico-Tennessee.html

So I don't know how much it will cost yet but turns out I DO need ANOTHER new fuel pump! The new mechanic told me that the reason it broke AGAIN is because the pump the last guy put in was to small to handle the output needed for my car! He said the pump he took out was only putting maybe 45% of the pressure I need. When I am only driving around town, it was fine, but since I am (right now) in the process of moving and I've been (was) driving eight hours one day and another eight the next day (from northern Michigan to Florida is where I was going) the fuel pump finally gave out. This is absolutely outrageous I've already reported his company to the Better Business Bureau and to ripoffreport.com. What else can I do? I don't even live there now! How could they not notice something like that? I'm a chef and that's the equivalent of me selling someone a spoiled steak! WTF

I have no idea how much this new guy is going to charge me but I would imagine it'll cost me about what it has in the past, around $800+. I can't fucking believe this shit! I actually went to the guy before I moved and said "Dude, I'm moving. I need my car ready to go. Whatever I need to fix, lets fix it!" Seriously, if I'm running a business, I'm seeing $$ right there. I basically said "Do what ya gotta do." (This was the second time he worked on my car, first time is when he put the wrong pump in it) When I took it to him the second time with the same problem (three months or so after he put the wrong pump in) he changed the Distributor cap and rotor. That's when he told me I was ready to go to Florida. So I told the new mechanic make sure he puts a AC Delco pump in it this time, and I want the old part! I called the old mechanic and told him and he said "oops, sorry." (yeah thats the quote) I'm going to do everything in my power to screw that idiot and his bullshit shop!

PS I found that info last night on Jellico, TN and was just laughing! $18,000 avg income for a FAMILY OF FOUR! That's insane! Coal/Hillbilly USA here...

Today after I dropped off my car at the mechanic in Corbin, KY, I got a taxi ride back here to my hotel room and the driver was a total redneck, and such a deep accent I could hardly understand him. (I'm no yankee though, I'm an indian! lol) He had one eye, and he was driving 85 mph down the frickin freeway in pouring down rain, semis surrounding us! I've never wanted to walk in the rain more than today! The dude asked me what I thought of "this new President." I knew he was a racist just by the way he asked, so I didn't dare tell him I voted Obama. I figured he might take me out back behind the woodshed and lynch me or some shit! My God, I just wanna get to Orlando....

Geez, I feel bad for ya, this would be my worst nightmare, stuck somewhere and paying out the ass......hopefully at least you'll be on your way soon with no more trouble...all the best!

Well them good boys are not to dumb if they fuigured out what the problem was a put a 800 dollar price tag on it.
Good Luck