Fuel Pump ?

[Hoags]

I've got another one for everyone. I think that the fuel pump may be going on the GAGT. Every so often when you first start the car after it has been sitting for a few hours the engine will only idle. If you try to give it some gas the engine starts to cut out as soon as you let off the gas the idle smooths out. After about 5 min. or so it will begin to take the fuel and the car runs normal.

My question comes down to this: Can an external fuel pump be added without having to do anything with the internal pump. I think that in the long run it will be cheaper to add an external unit rather than the expense of having to drop the tank. If it is possible please give me some suggestions as to a unit that will work in the GAGT. I don't need to go with a high performance pump, I only need to use something that is going to push enough fuel.

Thanks,
Dan

[crazydave1959]

my kids GASE was doing the same thing but it wasn't the fuel pump. it ended up just to be the spark plugs. and a lot cheaper to good luck

[GTP Dad]

The external fuel pump won't work since you still need to get fuel from the tank and really the only way to do that is to replace the in tank pump. The system is set up, computer, emissions and etc so that such a system won't work. It would be great if it would but unfortunately that is how the manufacturers keep everything in line for the government. You may want to check the pressure at the fuel pressure regulator before you do anything else. This sounds more like a fuel pressure regulator problem than a fuel pump problem. A lot cheaper than a fuel pump too!

[Ridenour]

I agree with Lynn - it sounds like a fuel pressure regulator problem - might be time for a new one.

[Hoags]

Thanks guys, I would much rather have it be the pressure regulator rather than the pump.

Crazydave: Thanks for the suggestion, but I had recently replaced just about everything related to the spark/ignition system. I can see from the number of posts that you have that you missed my full saga of the GAGT and the Cat. converter and ignition system parts replacement. Anyway welcome to the Forum there is a lot of great info out here from Grand Am people that have been through just about everything that can go wrong with the GA's.

GTPDad & Ride...I'll look over the Haynes manual for replacing the regulator and I'll fire out any questions after reviewing the proceedure.

Thanks again,
Dan

p.s. Lee, with 118,000 miles, it would not supprise me if the regulator does need replaced, I would be a little supprised if the fuel pump is going since I never let the tank go below 1/4 to keep it submerged.

[gmack221]

I have a 95 grand am 2.3L, I have some idle problems going on and was thinking it would be a good idea to check the fuel pressure. How do I check the fuel pressure? (is there a valve somewhere on the system to hook up the guage to?) If there is a valve where is that located? Is it necessary to check the pressure before and after the regulator? Where is the regulator located? (is it on the fuel rail & vacume actuated) Thanks

[GTP Dad]

The fuel pressure regulator is a part of the fuel rail. It will have a vacuum hose connected to it. At the fuel rail there is a schrader valve, looks like a tire valve. Connect a fuel pressure guage to it and you should be able to read the pressure when the fuel pump is on. If the pressure is less than recommended for your vehicle it can indicate that there is a problem with either the fuel pump or the regulator.

[skibum1111]

There is no valve on the fuel rail, I just looked at my 95 quad 4. Supposedly there is a plug that you can install a test port on the rail, but I'm not too sure of the location. Anyone know?