What are symptoms of a bad fuel pump?

SVXgarcia · #1 12-31-2008, 09:52 AM

What are symptoms of a bad fuel pump?

and is there a how to on replacement?

Freeman · #2 12-31-2008, 10:08 AM

Symptoms may be different due to there being a certain part that may fail as where the others may not. The little motor in mine is starting to go, therefore, when I turn the car on, but not the engine, I can hear my fuel pump gurgle like it's filled with milkshake.. Not sure what repercussions it's having on my vehicle but it's next on my list to replace. You can get a high performance on from ebay..

dcarrb · #3 12-31-2008, 10:19 AM

In my singular experience with fuel pump failure (not in an SVX but an '86 Suby wagon) things get quiet real quick like, then you walk.

If my cars are any indicator, a gurgling sound from the tank isn't unusual.

dcb

SVXgarcia · #4 01-03-2009, 06:21 AM

i think my fuel pump is having issues. I do hear some type of gurggling sound when trying to start the car. Do you have a link for the ebay item?

DarknessofDeath · #5 01-03-2009, 07:58 AM

my car seemed like it had a major power loss...that it didn't really want to go. no get go ~

dcarrb · #6 01-05-2009, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVXgarcia

I do hear some type of gurggling sound when trying to start the car.

Again, this is normal.

dcb

SVXgarcia · #7 01-05-2009, 06:19 AM

so, car doesn't start now. car used to start normal. Then it would take a few cranks then start. Now it doesn't start all I hear is the gurgling sound. Battery voltage is good, starter was replaced less then a year ago. How can I troubleshoot the fuel pump?

Freeman · #8 01-05-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVXgarcia

so, car doesn't start now. car used to start normal. Then it would take a few cranks then start. Now it doesn't start all I hear is the gurgling sound. Battery voltage is good, starter was replaced less then a year ago. How can I troubleshoot the fuel pump?

Sorry for the lapse in responces.. I don't really get online on the weekends.. I don't have a link to that particular item, but I know the brand is called "Walbro." OT says it's ok and I trust him. You could give it a shot..

svxistentialist · #9 01-05-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVXgarcia

so, car doesn't start now. car used to start normal. Then it would take a few cranks then start. Now it doesn't start all I hear is the gurgling sound. Battery voltage is good, starter was replaced less then a year ago. How can I troubleshoot the fuel pump?

Hi Garcia

It sounds like your fuel pump has gone wallop. Assuming this is correct your car will not start because there is no pressure to the injectors.

Before you buy anything you can check it out by checking whether you have no fuel delivered at the fuel filter under the hood. The fuel filter is beside the fuses on the left side [looking forward] of the engine bay. You will find a rubber hose feeding into the filter, and another feeding out towards the injectors. You can disconnect either of these lines, probably the feed in line would be good. Feed the line into a bottle or something. You don't want to spray petrol all over your engine bay, it makes a mess and is not too safe.

With the feed line fed into a bottle or jar to collect the fuel, get someone to crank over your engine for a few turns. If no fuel is delivering your pump is toast. [Please first ensure that you don't have a security system which is inadvertently immobilising your car. Some of these work by cutting off fuel]

Assuming your pump is gone, to replace it you have to take out the rear seat bottom. Between the wheel arches you will find a round or possibly oval plate. Screw this off for access to the tank. You will then see the pump bolted into the top of the tank, wires and pipes the whole she-bang.

It's easy enough to remove, but be careful of fumes and any kind of sparking while you are doing this job. Disconnect the battery while you are doing it, in fact before you remove the plate. If any of your friends smoke within 100 metres of the car while you are doing this job, kick them hard in the goolies. Tell them I said it was OK to do this, they need a lesson in stupidity.

Also for safety don't extract the pump before you have the new Walbro in your hand. It's safer to take out the old and bolt in the new in one session. Make sure all your rubber pipes are nicely tightened back. Remember this system works at high-ish pressure, you abso-effing-lutely do not want fuel leaking under your back axle. Make all connections secure and good, likewise make your electrical connections safe and insulated.

When you have it all connected back up again and your battery re-connected, turn it over a few times to let the fuel pressure build up. As soon as it does, your motor will start and be good as new.

Good luck with it, and be careful while doing it.

Joe

svxistentialist · #10 01-05-2009, 10:22 AM

Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WALBR...Q5fAccessories Walbro

Freeman · #11 01-05-2009, 10:46 AM

Please keep the obvious in mind if you plan on changing the fuel pump yourself.. Set up "NO SMOKING" signs around the area and make it obvious to everyone it's dangerous. Some people recommend a mask to work with to help reduce the inhalation of fumes but I don't see it as being a necessity if you are in a well ventilated area..

The access to the fuel pump is under your rear seats I believe.. So before you begin, open all the windows, doors, trunk, hood, and even the gas cap to help vent the fumes.. Should be able to just swap the old one with the new one I think.. Let the experts chime in if they see an error..

oab_au · #12 01-05-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarrb

In my singular experience with fuel pump failure (not in an SVX but an '86 Suby wagon) things get quiet real quick like, then you walk.

If my cars are any indicator, a gurgling sound from the tank isn't unusual.

dcb

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarrb

Again, this is normal.

dcb

As dcarrb has said twice,

the 'gurgling' is the sound of the pump pumping fuel around the engine system and back to the tank. This is normal and says that the pump is working normally.

Harvey.

Freeman · #13 01-05-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oab_au

As dcarrb has said twice,

the 'gurgling' is the sound of the pump pumping fuel around the engine system and back to the tank. This is normal and says that the pump is working normally.

Harvey.

Really? I was advised to get a new pump because of my "noisy tank"

TomsSVX · #14 01-05-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freeman

Really? I was advised to get a new pump because of my "noisy tank"

its the side-side jet. The tank has a rise in the middle of it to make way for the exhaust and driveshaft. To make sure you use the whole tank rather than one side, the pump uses a jet to pick up fuel from the other side of the tank and bring it over to the side with the pick-up. This is the gurgling sound you hear when turning the key to ON. It is normal operation and the gurgle is just air in the jet line. This means the pump is indeed working. Check to make sure you have pressure in the fuel system and then make sure the injectors and cycling properly. Check for spark. It is almost sure fire you will find your issue following that chain.

Tom

SVXgarcia · #15 01-05-2009, 05:34 PM

thank you for the suggestions and your replies, i will post back as soon as i get a chance to diagnose.