97 Astro. New Pump, Got Pressure, No start

[bsnyder55]

I have a 97 astro. Fuel pump went bad for sure. I tested it before and after installation. Replaced, but van still will not start. If I spray starting fluid, van runs for about 30-40 seconds. You can tell it eventually burns gas after starting fluid because of the sound of the engine. It then stalls. Fuel pressure good. Thought maybe fuel pressure regulator but pinched the return line to purge the pump for max pressure and same result Does anyone know if there is anything else to check.

[bduff509]

I've heard you can take your injectors to get them checked. Worth checking into.

[mack2k]

I am sure you changed the fuel filter...you can have pressure and still not enough flow...my filter was full of junk and tank also...runs great now..

[bsnyder55]

The fuel filter is new. I have constant pressure at the fuel rail (42psi). Removed return line and expected to see some fuel to see if fuel is recirculating back to the tank and it is bone dry. There is 6 injecters on this as is is a hybrid spider system used only 2 yrs before TPI on this vehicle. I don't know if all the injectors would go bad and I hope not because they are $65 each. The fuel pressure regulator is buiried on this as I tried to replace. I've got $400 in it already in parts and still goin!

[mack2k]

check the pressure on the back of the engine at the sharder valve..mine is a 97 and my psi with just key on is 62...running is 55.. did you clean the tank out..if not it will stop up the new pump

[bsnyder55]

I did not clean the tank when I took It down. I did check pressure at the back of the motor. The pressure max is 42psi even when the motor turns over. When I used starter fluid and kept it running the pressure never changed. I heard different specs on this pressure. Someone at the parts store said its ok at 27 to 45 and then someone told me 43psi and also I heard 60psi. Its good to know that yours was up to 60psi, 55psi running. It gives me somthing to check. Where do I get a positive psi spec from? If this pump is bad or there is somthing wrong with it I'd like to have some facts to present. Maybe a Chiltons?

[bsnyder55]

I did call the dealership and they said it should be 60psi.

[mack2k]

the pump only runs like 30 sec..and cuts off unless the enging starts..you will not have a return until it starts...I think I am right about this.. you might need to make sure you have a full guage of engine oil...the fuel pump circirut goes through the oil pressure switch first...that is so ..if the engine is to low on oil it will not start and burn the engine up.

[mack2k]

check the new filter...it could have plugged off with trash out of the tank....I dont know about where you are but here in Ky is the dumping ground for bad gasoline..

[bsnyder55]

Problem solved! Dropped the tank again and found the pump bleed off line (1/8") diconnected from the barbed fitting on the fuel sending unit. Once reattached, my fuel pressure went up to 60 psi. Van started and runs great. Thanks for all your help. Your responses kept me going at it!