hey brickboard,

i was trying to remove some very old gas from the system today and when i removed the fuel filter, i tried to start the car just to see, and it fired up and ran with the little fuel in the hoses and engine. when i reattached the filter and i guess more gas?? the car would not start up. i again removed the fuel filter and what ever once again was in the hose from the filter to engine and in the engine caused the engine to run. is this no start problem the old fuel filter or is it something to do with the mixture?? if it was a clogged filter wouldnt i not have gas getting into the engine? thanks, will

/// This is interesting but I bet it is simple. It takes time for the fuel to be pumped to the injectors. Even if there is not enough to run some is pumped past the filter. When you remove the filter the intake vaccum works through the injectors and hoses to allow outside air to force that small ammount of fuel into the intake. That cannot happen with the filter in since outside air cannot get in the line from the pump and the fuel must rise into the filter and system to get to the intake.(head)

installed new filter and problem still exists. i hear a whining sound coming from engine area after i finish cranking. could air be leaking from somewhere causing it to not run. intake manifold? the car runs ok for about 8 seconds before it cuts out with filter off and no new gas being allowed in from pump. any suggestions would be great.

/// I can't remember if you have posted this car problem before?

There is a check list to run the fuel delivery system.

Listen at the fuel tank filler tube, can you hear the intank pump running?

Can you hear the main pump running, under the car, the right rear pass seat, in a small metal bracket and cover. There should be an accumulator beside it and the check valve is in the main pump output fitting.

You know where the filter is.

If the check valve is bad the fuel runs back into the tank after the engine and main pump stop. Time is required to fill the lines again.

If the intank pump is bad the main pump has to work harder. If the car is sitting on an incline it might not prime at all. That is one of the jobs of that intank pump.

It is possible that the hose connecting the tank and main pump is partially closed, age.

If the short hose (one inch or so) from the intank pump to the fuel line inside the tank is rotted. The intank pump just circulates the fuel in the tank. Trash can bypass the pickup sock on the intank pump when the main pump gets gas from that higher point. If it does it can block the check valve open. Last the fuel will be out of reach at about 1/2 tank.

Your problem is no fuel. Since the engine runs when primed, some gas is getting to the engine. For that reason I would discount the electrical system and relay. Check them by feeling for heat at the fuse block, clean any hot ones. If you hear the main pump every time you turn the key the relay is good. After you get the car running check that fuel pump relay for heat, burned points.