Could it really be the fuel pump??

[Crazygirl]

Okay, so I posted before about possibly having oil in my fuel line, and I haven't gotten anything. Let me pose this.

I have a 2004 Cavalier, 2.2 liter automatic. Up until a few weeks ago, the car ran fine. It has stalled a couple of times, both at a stop light and while in motion. We have changed the fuel filter (almost black fluid came out of the old one) and the fuel pump relay fuse. 99% of the time the car is fine. Once in a while, it takes several tries to get the engine to catch after cranking and cranking. Once it starts, it's fine (except for those couple of times). Idles okay, no chugging, hitching, etc. The last time it stalled was more than a week ago.

I talked online with a GM mechanic, trying to find out if the injectors could clog and cause these symptoms. He never answered that, instead, asking if I had checked the spark plugs. I have not. I explained about the black fluid in the filter, and asked what could cause it, and could it be a contributing factor. He didn't say what could cause it, but said that the fuel pump could be going out because of the strain of trying to push the fuel past the gunky stuff in the filter. I have never heard of such a thing. I truly don't believe the spark plugs are the culprit, either.

There is more to the story now. Three days ago, on Tuesday, on my way in to work the check engine light came on. The car was running okay, but I told my hubby about it. After work, he stopped by where my car was to make sure it would start and get me home, and said the oil dipstick was bone dry. Not low, dry. We put about 3 quarts of oil in it, and the next morning (Wednesday) the car didn't want to catch again. Eventually it did, and while driving (still on Wednesday), the light went out. Today is Friday, and with the exception of Wednesday morning, the car has started immediately every time.

If it were the fuel pump, the engine wouldn't be doing this, would it? The online GM mechanic said to check the plugs first, then go to a shop and have the fuel pump tested. Please, can someone provide me with some answers? I don't want to be stranded someplace because it is the pump and it gives out suddenly, but don't want to go on a wild goose chase and pay out to have unnecessary testing done. Thanks!

[gmorgan]

Sounds like a little moisture in your tank has created some rust, or just some bad gas. That is the only thing I can think of to cause black goo in your filter. As far as the oil, newer cars have a sensor that wont let the engine start if there is not enough oil. As long as your car runs OK and you change the fuel filter again it might be OK. But I can't imagine it would cost a bunch for a shop to pressure test your fuel pump. PS Tell hubby to check you oil more often.