Fuel delivery problem? Help!

[DJay]

New 87 GN owner. 58,000 miles. Care is bone stock (even stock air box!). 3 weeks ago, with 3 gallons of fuel in tank, car simply stopped running while leaving a light under normal acceleration. I figured low fuel. Filled up; seemed to solve the problem. Yesterday, in stop n go traffic car died again. Except THIS time i had 17 gallons of fuel in the tank! Sat for about 10 minutes and it was fine for the rest of the day / night. This AM same thing happened again! This time I ended up having to tow it to my house.

I added HEET, figuring i had water in the tank. Didn't help. Replaced fuel filter just in case. Didn't help. When filter was off, I primed pump to check for fuel flow. Fuel squirted 10-12 inches out of open fuel line: I'm assuming that is normal pressure (no fuel pressure gauge..).

Car fires up, but wont stay running for even 3 seconds. If I pump throttle when starting, car will stay sputtering until I stop pumping. Then it dies.

Here's the weird part. I let the car sit for another 30 minutes and tried starting again: car idled FINE for about 30 seconds and promptly died.

I'm perplexed. Any ideas / suggestions would be much appreciated! I was just contemplating begining the transformation to a low 12 second daily driver and this has sort of set me back, heh heh.... thanks in advance!

 

[blackbuick87]

Just because the pump squirted fuel 10-12 inches doesnt mean a thing. If the pressure is more than 3-4 punds below stock it will not run

Drop the tank and put in a Walbro 340. even if there is nothing wrong with your pump the stocker is weak from the factory and it is the first upgrade that should be done on any TR

 

[WarpSpeed]

I might suspect the fuel pump relay. Does the pump run when ever the car is running? The computer allows voltage to the pump for about 2 seconds, key on engine off. Then, turn key off for a minute, and the computer will allow re-prime again for 2 seconds. It sounds like the pump isn't getting voltage, providing the pump is still good. Might try plugging 12v into the fuel pump test(single brown plug) lead behind the altenator and see if there's a difference.

 

[Black Car]

The original fuel sock on the pump may have collapsed on you.

 

[scottyb]

Put in a Walbro. But don't bet it all that your problem is fuel related. You said that it would run if you pump the pedal. You may have another problem....

You need a new pump anyway, so this won't be wasted money if it aint the problem.

 

[DJay]

You guys are the best! Thanks for your advice; I'll install the pump you described and see what happens.

Thanks again!

 

[Jesse]

DJay E-mail Jack at racetronix hes the man you wanna talk to about fuel pumps , and his prices are resonable.

Jesse

 

[DJay]

Well, we installed a new walbro 307 fuel pump in the GN.

Fuel pressure was 42 at idle w.regulator vacuum hooked up. 38 w.o vacuum line at idle. (Still have stock regulator)

The trouble is the problem only happens after about 40 minutes of driving time. Drove it home; ran great! Took it out later last night; car died yet again. Would fire up but wouldnt remain running. Had it towed yet again... (I don't drive my GN, I TOW it heh eh)

There are 2 factors that I've noticed: the last two times this has happened was 1) during a rain storm and 2) after an automatic car wash. Considering the fuel filter / pump are new now.... do u guys think this might be an electical problem?

Need some help, pls! Thanks again ...

 

[scottyb]

Just a shot in the dark here, but an easy test. Check the fuel pump relay(s). I believe the stocker is mounted on the pass fenderwell. Water could be getting in or it's corroded. When it dies, does the fuel pump still cycle when you turn the ignition on?

I don't have enough experience to start pointing the finger at MAF, cam sensor, or crank sensor. Someone else will chime in. Good luck.

 

[blackbuick87]

Too bad it wasnt fuel. It would be easy to tell if its the relay because you will not be getting pressure when it is acting up. If you turn on the key and it does not cycle then it is the relay.

Otherwise you need to start looking at the ignition system. There is a gasket in between the coil pack and module, maybe water is getting in there. Also check your coil pack with an ohm meter across the poles. You should get between 11 and 13000 ohms.
Good luck