Author Topic: Fuel Pump Dead?  (Read 10326 times)

Offline Unofficial

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Fuel Pump Dead?
« on: September 09, 2010, 09:31:32 pm »
Hey guys, I've been trying to work out some bugs in my truck for a while and I think my fuel pump went out on me today. I recently installed an adjustable fuel pressure regulator and brought my psi up to about 13-14 psi. After replacing my spark plug wires today, I took it around the block and to get gas to make sure I was firing on all 8. After going down a steep hill, I accelerated after stopping at the bottom and my truck made a "pop" noise and shut off right away. I was really low on gas, lowest I've ever had it. It wouldn't start after it shut off, so I went home and got some gas and put a gallon or two in. Still wouldn't start. Then I noticed that the pump wasn't coming on when I turned the key on like usual. I dumped some fuel in the throttle body and it fired right up (and shut off since the pump won't come on).

Sounds to me like the pump definitely went out, but I thought I'd check to see if there are ways to be 100% sure that it's the actual pump. I know it could be wires, debris in the pump, etc... But I thought I'd ask on here first before buying a $250 pump... Thanks in advance.
1987 Custom Deluxe R10
350 TBI bored .040 over
700r4 with a Transgo shift kit
MSD ignition
Long tube headers w/ true duals
Upgraded sound system w/ subwoofer

Offline TexasRed

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Re: Fuel Pump Dead?
« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2010, 09:35:48 pm »
Did you check the fuse?

Offline Unofficial

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Re: Fuel Pump Dead?
« Reply #2 on: September 09, 2010, 09:59:19 pm »
Did you check the fuse?

Do you mean relay? I don't think there's a fuel pump fuse.

Weird thing though, if you unplug the relay, my pump would still go. I figured it wasn't hurting anything but now that it's not working I wonder...
1987 Custom Deluxe R10
350 TBI bored .040 over
700r4 with a Transgo shift kit
MSD ignition
Long tube headers w/ true duals
Upgraded sound system w/ subwoofer

Offline 454ss

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  • I WANNA RACE IN A BIGFOOT TRUCK!
Re: Fuel Pump Dead?
« Reply #3 on: September 09, 2010, 10:18:32 pm »
If it's electrical, it has a fuse.
Jay
Searching for my ideal 1973-87 fullsize.
1982 C10 Custom Deluxe stepside - traded
1977 C10 Custom Deluxe longbed - junked
Current:
1991 Chevy S10 Blazer 4x4
1995 Olds Silhouette
2009 Chihuahua

Offline Unofficial

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Re: Fuel Pump Dead?
« Reply #4 on: September 09, 2010, 11:00:38 pm »
If it's electrical, it has a fuse.

Well like I said, there's a relay, not a fuse...

However, since you mentioned it, I went and looked at some fuses and one of my ECM fuses (10A) was blown...I replaced it and the fuel pump primes now and the truck starts but now I'm worried that the fuel pump was the culprit for the blown fuse...Like maybe the pump is going bad and somehow blew that fuse? Anyone heard anything like that?
1987 Custom Deluxe R10
350 TBI bored .040 over
700r4 with a Transgo shift kit
MSD ignition
Long tube headers w/ true duals
Upgraded sound system w/ subwoofer

Offline 454ss

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  • I WANNA RACE IN A BIGFOOT TRUCK!
Re: Fuel Pump Dead?
« Reply #5 on: September 09, 2010, 11:04:09 pm »
Yes, I just had a Olds Silhouette in that would do that. Replaced the pump, no more blown fuses.

if it were me, I'd drive it awhile with some spare fuses. It's possible the fuse was old, defective, or something else caused it to blow i.e. short in the wiring, bad ecm, bad relay.
Jay
Searching for my ideal 1973-87 fullsize.
1982 C10 Custom Deluxe stepside - traded
1977 C10 Custom Deluxe longbed - junked
Current:
1991 Chevy S10 Blazer 4x4
1995 Olds Silhouette
2009 Chihuahua

Offline TexasRed

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Re: Fuel Pump Dead?
« Reply #6 on: September 09, 2010, 11:25:40 pm »
Coulda been you were low on fuel and overworked the pump.

Offline fred75

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Re: Fuel Pump Dead?
« Reply #7 on: September 10, 2010, 01:57:34 pm »
"Weird thing though, if you unplug the relay, my pump would still go. I figured it wasn't hurting anything but now that it's not working I wonder..."

  Wonder if that's where the fuse blew???
'82 C-10 305/TH350-TCC EDL PERF INT W/1406 AFB MSD-6A HDRS

Offline former520

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Re: Fuel Pump Dead?
« Reply #8 on: November 03, 2010, 12:29:50 am »
I had a similar situation happen to me today.  Did you end up changing the fuel pump or did it just stop blowing fuses?
87 Regular Cab Classic Deluxe 20, 350TBI, TH400, 2wd

Offline Unofficial

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Re: Fuel Pump Dead?
« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2010, 10:55:33 pm »
I had a similar situation happen to me today.  Did you end up changing the fuel pump or did it just stop blowing fuses?

It stopped blowing fuses. I was taking it easy for a while and I floored it from a stop, which caused it to blow the fuse. Soon after that I put in a new motor for unrelated reasons, it's been fine since then. I think the pump just started sucking dry and it overworked, like TexasRed said.
1987 Custom Deluxe R10
350 TBI bored .040 over
700r4 with a Transgo shift kit
MSD ignition
Long tube headers w/ true duals
Upgraded sound system w/ subwoofer