z28marine

Today while driving the car just stumbled and died. Everything stopped, and then wouldnt start. Had it towed home, and it started up and would run for a little, but then would just die. Im guessing its the fuel pump. But not positive. Any ideas of what it could be? I was running slightly low on gas today and filled up. Ive had the car not start up once before after running low on gas. But, i let it sit and it started up fine and has been running for about a month now. If it is the fuel pump, how much for a replacement, where to get it, and how hard to install it???

Van5150

With the fuel side what you want to do is listen for the fuel pump coming on when you turn on the ignition key. Listen for the motor priming. If it does I would think its not the fuel pump.

I would then i check for spark. Pull the easiest plug you have access to and have someone watch it while you turm over motor. If you have spark then good, its not opti related.

What are results of these two checks?

If both check ok, I would check some fuses, and change that fuel filter as you indicated you ran low on gas as that is when all the junk goes in fuel system.

slopokrodrigez

It's fuel pump. Without a doubt. We see them every week. The tank goes dry and after a fill up they are dead. Best way to confirm is with a fuel pressure gage. Even if the pump is running and you hear it, that does not mean it is putting any kind of pressure out.

z28marine

thanks guys, im gonna test both spark and fuel pressure today. I thought though that the signs of a bad opti were stuttering, backfiring, and missing? im not getting those symptons. It simple starts, then just dies. Same as when i was driving, the clutch went soft, and it was lke the engine just shut off. Whats a good fuel pump to get? Should i go get a stock one or an aftermaket? And what about install? Anyone have a website to show the install?

KillinFormula

I seriously doubt it is fuel pump. My ar is doing the same thing yours is... and it is opti. but go ahead and check it all, my mechanic did all of it for me, but it is opti.

z28marine

how much did your mechanic charge to replace the opti? i dont have time to do it myself as it stands. Second, if it happens to be the fuel pump, what is the best one to get?? Im trying to weight all my options right now.

KillinFormula

sry couldnt tell ya, my mechanic is a personal friend so it is way cheaper than what you will find, plus he does his work on his own time not at his place of employment. but i would say about 300 froma regular shop. reALLY IT WONT TAKE BUT 5 -6 HOURS. SRY CAPS AND NO TIME TO FIX.

z28marine

new question...would a failing fuel pump result in lower gas mileage???? ive had considerbly lower gas mileage lately

RCF925

My son just bought another 94Z and we were going thru the receipts and the previous owner just had the Opti done at a dealer $2200 Holy S&*(. I've done a few myself and it takes me about 5-6 hrs, But I also have a blower and have to move or remove a few more things than a stocker.