Ran my car low on gas, probably threw all kinds of crap through my fuel system. Cause after filling her up I turned it over and it sounded like an old man coughing and gasping for air...or gas in this case. I crossed my fingers and changed the fuel filter hoping that was the problem. Nodda. It wont even turn over now. I an guessing I fouled out the pump. And I plan on replacing it. I was looking at a couple in-line fuel pumps verses in-tank. Found some that sparked my intrest from Holley, and Edlebrock. But someone told me that in-line pumps can cause all kinds of problems and in-tanks are better. I have always heard the opposite. But I am just a 20 yr old chick with no schooling for this kind of thing, except trial and error, and he does. Anyone got any suggestions???????? rachelstyczynski@hotmail.com

 

Hook up a mechanical fuel pressure gauge to your fuel rail (schrader valve). I forget placement on the LS1 but I'm sure someone can tell you. Check pressure in the lines with the gauge. Then go from there. Look at the regulator on the fuel rails and then make the fuel pump the last thing you check. First and foremost make sure there's pressure. I'm only 20 as well and wondering where all the 19/20 yr old F-body girls are around here...

 

they are probably all married..haha. Yeah, I guess my breed is few and far between. Most "I love my camaro" chicks are burnt out and 50 or butch..haha

 

when I changed the fuel filter there was so much pressure it blew the filter right out of my hand across the shop..haha. I have chaged filters before, and never had that happen. It has sprayed but not taht bad. I don't know if that is normal with the LS1 though.

 

if it does end up being the pump, which would you recommend? In-line or in-tank? Any ups or downs in that matter? Cause I was told (by an unreliable source) that in-line are bad. I don't trust him all that much, but he is a mechanic

 

It is the pump, you ran it dry and burned it up.

SteveC

 

I know quite a few ladies (young and good looking, too) who drive fbodies.

Anyway, back on topic. It's not uncommon for a car to struggle a bit after having run low/out of gas. give it a few minutes and usually everthing is back to normal, no harm done. I wouldn't make a habit of it though.

if it turns out your fuel pump has been burned up, I'd definitely go with an in-line fuel pump, MUCH easier to work on/replace than in-tank fuel pumps. A trap door can be handy for the latter.

 

You've got an LS1 so your fuel pressure regulator is in the tank with the pump. If you went to an external pump you would have to do away with the intank regulator and put aftermarket rails, regulator and plumb a return line to the tank. A buch of work and expense to get rolling again. I would look into an intank upgrade pump. The board is partially sponsored by racetronix and they sell walbro upgrade pumps for your car. thunder racing or another sponsor should be able to help you out. Incidentally if fuel sprayed all over you then the pump is doing something. LS1s run around 55 psi fuel pressure due to the regulator being in the rear.

 

I would go with an in-tank replacement. We did one on a friend's LT1 and it was a PITA because we took the "trap door" path mentioned above. Personally, I didn't feel comfortable cutting up the sheet metal in his trunk. But, that's what he wanted to do. It took us nearly 4 hours just to cut the hole, disconnect the lines and remove the pump from the case. Then we got it all put back together in the case and let the gas-safe adhesive dry overnight. Re-installed the unit in the morning and bolted down some scrap metal with sheet metal screws (but it still didn't look all that great if you ask me). If I were to do it again, I wouldn't hesitate to drop the tank out from under the car. G/L in finding/fixing your problem.

 

i like the walbro 255 lph pump. depending on your mods, its the last pump you'll need to buy.

 

Yeah, there was actually quiet a bit of pressure when I removed the filter, which was why I was hoping it was just the filter and not the pump. When I got my car it hadn't been taken care of the best mechanically. It looked great and is in mint condition body and interior wise. But two days after I had it it over heated (this was in January). So I checked the radiator, and it was pretty much mud.....litteraly. So I had to do a reverse flush on it. No way was I running all that crap through it. Since then I have found many other parts that were quiet dirty and filled with sand. Maybe the guy before me got good use out of it on the beach...I don't know. So needless to say I could just imagine what is in the bottom of my gas tank....maybe a couple furry woodland creatures. I don't have many upgradeds yet. I replaced the rear with one that would help me off the line a little better, borla exhust, and got the SS ram air hood, and air induction top for my box...my car liked that a lot. Put on slotted rotors, and performance calipers and brakes (they were all beat so I figure why not put on some good ones instead of stock again), Z rated tires (there were H's on it before...ugh) threw in a short shifter, some subs and replaced the plugs, wires, and injectors with platnums. She drives really good and feels freash and peppy. But not it won't even turn over. And I don't have as much time to play as I use to, so if I have someone else do it...I want to make sure it gets done right, and with the best.

 

depending on where you are, there are probably people from this board or your local F-body or B-body club that would be willing to help you. check in the regional area on this board and do a search for local clubs in your area on google.