fuel pump diagnosis

I have a 1991 honda accord that has been sitting unused for 5 years. I jumper cabled the battery, and cranked the engine several times but it didnt ever start running. Suspecting that the engine (pgmfi fuel injection) wasnt getting any fuel due to a clog from gummed up old fuel (I drained the old and put 4 new gallons in the tank) I took off the fuel filter to replace it. When I disconnected the fuel lines, there wasnt any pressure and no fuel leaked out at all. Is this normal, or does this indicate that the fuel pump was not working?

thanks for any insights

-Mads

It could be nothing or it could mean the fuel pump isn't working. Have someone try to start it while you wap the bottom of the tank with a 2x4 or something to try and jar the pump.

thanks, ill give that a try. So you would guess that the fuel pump might be at fault. Ive heard that hitting a fuel pump can sometimes free up clogs.

much appreciated
-Mads

1) Replace the old fuel filter.
2) Get a spare gas can, and hose
3) Connect the hose to the fuel filter, and put the other end into the spare gas can.
4) Turn the ignition key to the on pos.
5) Is the fuel pump working?

thanks, ill give that a try. So you would guess that the fuel pump might be at fault. Ive heard that hitting a fuel pump can sometimes free up clogs.

much appreciated
-Mads

Just happened to me last night. Pulled into a gas station, shut the van off, came back out and would not fire. Smacked the tank with a rubber mallet and bingo, started up.
New fuel pump time Im guessing.

Just happened to me last night. Pulled into a gas station, shut the van off, came back out and would not fire. Smacked the tank with a rubber mallet and bingo, started up.
New fuel pump time Im guessing.

Thanks for the follow up. So few people do that on this forum.

-CCM

My ride died yesterday from the bad fuel pump. I hoped (never do that) that I might have had a few more driving days left till I could get to it. I was wrong. Died on the side of the interstate going to work. A few smacks on the tank got me there and that was it. No beating was going to bring it back (nothing but a few sputters).

Slapped a new one in today and it fired right up. Dropping the tank is a pain in the ass, but there were no other alternatives besides spraying ether or dumping gas into the throttle body while I was driving.

There was no access panel in the trunk, under the rear seak, or behind the rear wheel!