Problem NOT solved... and it's sold!!! OH NO!!

[tmielnichuk]

Oh Crap, Oh Crap, Oh Crap!

To all of those who have been following my 89 MTX repair saga... here comes a new chapter! If you want the background on this bugger check these two posts:

"won't run when warm"
http://www.shoforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=007348#000001

"Problem solved... but it's SOLD"
http://www.shoforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=007512

So here I'm all happy that the problem is fixed AND I sold the car. NOT SO FAST TONTO! I drove to work today (about 30 minutes) stopped for a Slurpee, and the sucker wouldn't restart! I tried priming the fuel pump three times, then starting.. rough idle and die. Tried pumping gas pedal when cranking... same. Tried flooring it when cranking... same. It will almost catch, then die on me. The same symptoms as before. I have about 1/8th of a tank of gas in it (93 octane) and it was on flat ground when this happened. The car drove beautifully up untill this point.

Now I'm thinking its the damn return line check valve. I don't mind replacing this cheapy part for the new owner, but if I drop the f-ing tank and it doesn't fix the problem I'm going to lose my mind. The pump itself is only a year old. I did take a long road trip with the car prior to changing the FPR with a FULL tank of gas and it ran for over an hour and a half staight with no problems (same trip I described in first post above) and even a couple short runs while we were out of town. Does this mean that if the check valve isn't submersed in fuel it acts up? Or is my pump screwed again? The pump doesn't whine or make any really ugly noises, it just purrs away like always. The pitch does not change or alter at all. I can't hear a gurgling or rumbling noise from the check valve... my exhaust is WAY to loud for that.

I really don't want to "throw away" ANOTHER $100 on a car as I don't even own! BUT, I don't want to screw the guy over! headbang

So whats the verdict? Drop the tank and replace the "duck bill" or just fill er up and say good riddance?

And before you all ask... no codes, and sorry I don't have a fuel pressure tester so I am SOL on getting you any numbers right now... sorry dudes, but I KNEW you were gonna ask! wink

Thanks again guys, have a good night!

 

[Groo]

Uhhhh...CPS?

 

[projectSHO89]

Did you ever hook up the fuel pressure guage to see what your pressure looks like?

Seems that was suggested a while back....

Steve

 

[sdpatt]

The fuel return line check valve may cause a rough idle for a few seconds, but it won't prevent the engine from starting. Check that fuel pressure. With only an 1/8th tank of gas, the pump is high and dry and more susceptable to heat related failure.

 

[tmielnichuk]

Screw it!

I was afraid it might be the pump. I'm not going to worry about it anymore. The guy who bought it is planning on working on it anyway and if he needs a new pump, he can put in!

I will just fill it up and keep it topped up. The new owner was aware of this issue anyway, and he's got a bucketload of new parts on there now!

Thanks again guys, you truly have been a big help. I just wish that I wasn't sick of fixing these cars because they are fun to drive!


By the way...

My new beast is a Chevy S10 pickup with a 350 small block and a 700R4 tranny. Talk about the complete opposite of the SHO!!! Perfect!!!