89 civic 1/2 tank stalls

boong · #1 08-05-2008, 09:50 PM

Hello I have a 89 civic that wont run when half empty. I have changed the fuel pump and screen looked in the tank for anything odd, but it looks fine. I have also changed the the fuel filter, checked hoses for leaks. I dont know if it could be a electrical problem or what, so any help would be great. Thanks

FrodoGT · #2 08-05-2008, 10:20 PM

Perhaps your sender unit is buggered up and the tank is really empty?

boong · #3 08-06-2008, 07:06 AM

the tank still has 6 gallons left in it. It is also hard to start back up when it does stall

readallen · #4 08-07-2008, 12:26 AM

I think it is the weight change that is the cause and the effect of having less gas in the tank- less weight , is effecting the proper operation of the fuel supply system. Stick a short hose in the fill tube and listen to the pump.

Christ · #5 08-07-2008, 03:09 PM

Wow... never heard that one before..

While we're at it, just for kicks, check/replace the main relay... it's a common problem, couldn't hurt to check it.

Since this problem occured, have you put more gas into the tank?

If you did, did the problem persist? Have you tried anything else to date, what were the results?

We really need more information.. b/c Honestly, I'm thinking either really bad gas, or water in the tank.

boong · #6 08-07-2008, 04:13 PM

I have changed the strainer today, which it does seem better. the gas is good the fuel pump works(new). I had the problem when I first got the car, changed the pump and strainer, I believe it has to do with the pick up part of the tank. when you look inside the gas fills up in the pick up area. I have put 10,000 miles on this car and have removed the tank 5 times trying options. I am at a lost to why it does it, but it must do with the way the gas moves around in the tank.
As for the main relay is that a dealer item, as none in the bone yards.

Christ · #7 08-07-2008, 05:34 PM

ouch... buying it from the dealer isn't a great option to face... not sure what you could do... but I doubt it would be the main relay if it runs fine until you get to 1/2 tank...

This is odd... you should check to make sure that the pump is the right one... maybe it's smaller than the original unit? But you still had this problem with the original unit... then I doubt that... You should try checking/changing your gas cap... it may not be holding enough vacuum, which I suppose could case your kind of problem...

Grasping at straws here, but give it a shot, I guess.

2002corolla · #8 08-07-2008, 06:32 PM

have you replace the rubber tube inline the fuel pump? I have heard of stories that the little section of hose developes a crack or hole and when the tank gets half empty it begins to suck air in instead of fuel, since it requires less effort.

Christ · #9 08-07-2008, 08:04 PM

There is no rubber hose on the pump.. there are only the lines that come from the pump into the main and return fuel lines...

So those "stories" you've heard, are nothing more than that.

boong · #10 08-07-2008, 08:30 PM

when I replaced my pump I used a new piece of hose and clamps.
I will check the tank for a good seal when it gets hot in the afternoon. I do hope it holds vacuum as there are alot of places for it to leak. Also thanks for all the suggestions as I am out of ideas. I have taken my tank out so many times that I can do it in about 10 min so if anyone needs one I can steal you one fast now.

2002corolla · #11 08-07-2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr0pZ0n3

There is no rubber hose on the pump.. there are only the lines that come from the pump into the main and return fuel lines...

So those "stories" you've heard, are nothing more than that.

I stand corrected....but these are not stories they do happen to other cars that run a rubber section between the pump and the hard line. One comes to mind my toyo. Cressida...as well as some of the older GMs

So OP did replace some hoses??!!

Scrapper · #12 08-07-2008, 11:36 PM

you never put the gas filter backwards did you some people do that i'm not saying you did it but there are new brass washers for that when you put filter on did you put the new ones on? plus when you start that the starter takes away the power when from fuel pump.but you may have got the wrong pump also? can you hear it real strong when you turn key to start you should hear it zippppp.

FrodoGT · #13 08-08-2008, 02:02 AM

There is like a 3inch piece of hose that attaches the pump TO the hard line.

boong · #14 08-08-2008, 12:19 PM

checked the gas cap seal today, and it held plenty of vacuum. I also took it for a spin with about 5 gallons in the tank. It stalls every time you hit the breaks, meaning when the gas sloshes around it looses prime. It starts right back up after stalling. I think I will look for a complete tank from a wrecked car and put it in. I believe it is now in my tank that is the problem, either wrong screen or pick up, but who knows.............Should of never gave my brother my Toyota!!!!!!!!

Christ · #15 08-08-2008, 02:31 PM

Sorry, I misunderstood... you said something about a line that, when it cracks, sucks in air... that would have to be in the tank before the pump... you see, the pump puts pressure on the lines.. this would cause a fuel spray... no air getting in through there.

SO, you were correct about the line being there, just incorrect about what happens when it breaks.

BOONG- If it only stalls when you hit your brakes, maybe you have a vacuum leak... Like I said, grasping for straws here... but maybe.

You can check easily for an underhood vacuum leak by spraying either ether or carb cleaner under your hood, around the intake, next to all the hoses, and near the brake booster and it's line... if the engine starts to sputter, or stalls altogether, you have a vacuum leak.

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