89' Buick Century Fuel Problems?

[maseyferguson05]

Heres what i got for you lovely folks. I'm not too car savvy, just putting it out there. I am not new to forums tho, got a couple thousand posts on a few fish forums and an Advice Team member on one. I know what you guys deal with as far as new posters. You probably repeat alot. That being said, i used the search funtion and still have no idea what i am talking about

I present you with my new ride.

An 89 Buick Century, 3.3 EFI.

Here's the problem, it won't start All kidding aside, from what i can understand its the fuel pump. That's was the last mechanic said, he also did not run any tests. Just his guess and he was NOT on the clock... It starts on either and only a second for that. That being said, fuel is not getting to the engine. Talked to me father and he said the fuel pump is not ''winding'' up when it starts? He also said it could be relays?

Pictures and more info will gladly be given on request.

Thanks, Bill

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures but I will try to explain. The fuel pump in your car is located inside the fuel tank in the rear of the car. It is an electric pump and they often go bad if you have high mileage or just given the age of your car it is possible. By reading your post you indicate that the car will run if you spray ether into the engine. This indicates that there is spark and that the engine is otherwise in good shape.

The fuel pump is controlled by a relay that is located in the power control center under the hood. The relay should be marked and can be replaced simply by pulling the old relay out and replacing it with a new one. If the relay is bad the pump should turn on when you try to start the car and it should run. I would change the relay first as it is the cheapest and easiest thing to do.

Since the fuel pump is located in the fuel tank you may have to drop the tank down from the car to get it out. On some models there is an access plate in the trunk. You can pull up the carpet to check.

I suggest if you aren't mechanically inclined that you have a mechanic do the repair. One other thing is to make sure that the fuel filter is replaced. A plugged filter can overtax the fuel pump and cause premature failure.

I hope this helps explain the system and what needs to be done to repair it.

[maseyferguson05]

Great, thanks for the help. Now i know where to start.

Talked with my father, he said we will try and check the fuel filter first. Then the relay and if everything else fails do the fuel pump. I feel confident in doing it myself, its about time i get my hands dirty and the straps holding up the gas tank are fairly new. I'm a carpenter by trade, so this should be fun.

[Airjer_]

Check for power at the grey wire on the harness that goes to the fuel pump. It should power up for a few seconds when you turn the key on on then go out until you either turn the key off then on again or if you try to crank it. This is one easy step to check fuses/relays/wiring all at the same time.

If you have power take a rubber mallet and pound on the bottom of the tank while somebody cranks the engine over. This is a 50/50 shot but if you hear the pump start to run and or the engine starts than for sure the fuel pump needs to be replaced!!

On a side note I have never had a fuel filter cause a vehicle not to start but I am positive that the lack of changing them has ruined many fuel pumps prematurely. If you install a new pump make sure to replace the filter and then at least every 36,000 miles after that. I don't know how mwny miles are left on the vehicle but you will likely not have to change the pump again due to a plugged filter wearing it out. The quality of the pump you install will greatly increase or decrease the longevity of the repair!!