I have an intermittent failure to start problem which is rectified by a sharp rap on the fuel pump where the pipes leave the tank. It seems that the pump does not always start at key on. There is only one pump and it is in the tank, the pump runs very quietly once it starts. The car has 186k miles, the previous owner gave me a repair invoice that shows the pump was replaced about 40k ago.

Questions:-

1. does the pump run continuously while the engine is running or does it start and stop to maintain pressure in the fuel rail?

2. is this a warning that the pump is going to stop permanently?

3. is there anything in the pump that could cause the intermittant behaviour.

thanks for any suggestions

Rob,

Maybe you need to check the electrical connection, otherwise, the connection to the pump, which is in the tank, may be not perfect. If the PO replaced the entire unit (sender and pump), its all one piece and your good, but if only the pump was replaced, the new pump wires must be soldered to the connector in the sender assembly. How do I know this? I replaced the entire assembly 2 months back. The pump by the way, is a POS Bendix/GM submerged pump, it generally fails around 80 - 120 kmiles. You can get the whole thing out through the hole in the floor without dropping the tank (at least on wagons). Good luck.

Mike,

Thanks for the info, particullarly about the connections insidethe tank. The parts cost to the PO was approx $350 so I think the complete assembly was replaced as the dealer is now quoting me $150 for the pump only.

The electrical connections are good as far as the connector just outside the fuel tank so there may be a problem at the internal connection you describe.

The dealer is telling me the pump is a Regina? is this the same as the POS Bendix/GM? What is the usual failure that neccesitates replacement at 80-120 k miles?

Thanks for your help

Rob W

Rob, try this link, there is good info on fuel systems!

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/index.shtml