Welcome to the Corvette Forums at the Corvette Action Center!

86 won't start - no fuel pressure

RV Guy

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 16, 2003
Messages
190
Location
Nampa, ID
Corvette
1986 Silver/Gray Coupe
A few days ago I took my 86 for a short errand. I went to start it for the return trip home and it started but ran very rough and then died. It would not restart so we both got a ride on the tow truck home. I first changed the fuel filter but while I had it off I tried running the pump and got nothing so I changed the pump. I still have no fuel going to the engine. What do I check next?

Thanks
 
When the ignition is first turned on, can you hear the pump run for 2 seconds? If not,check to see of there is voltage to the pump when first turned on.
 
Please Help Soon

When the ignition is first turned on, can you hear the pump run for 2 seconds? If not,check to see of there is voltage to the pump when first turned on.

I really need some help with this quickly. The pump has power to it but I don't think it is running.
 
Here is the latest. The pump is running. I can hear it run for a few seconds when the key is turned on and it continues to run after I have tried to start it for a few seconds. There is some fuel pressure at the fuel rail as pressure is relieved when I push in on the valve stem where the pressure guage would connect. I don't know how much pressure as I do not have a guage. When I try to start it it sounds like it is trying to fire for just a very short time and then it just turns over. This repeats if I let is set for a few minutes.

Ideas?
 
This is rather strange, as it happened suddenly and you have replaced the pump, with no change. It was running good prior to this incident?
One thing you can try is it to pull the vacuum line off the pressure regulator and check for any signs of fuel in the line. This would indicate a failed regulator.

I think your're going to need a fuel pressure gauge. After turning the key on and having the pump run for two seconds you should have around 42 pounds of pressure. Then see what happens to the pressure when you try to start it. The gauges are not very expensive and are valuable for working on these cars. You also may be able to rent/borrow one from your local parts store.

I am definately not an expert on this, but have some experience from working on my own car. One of the experts may be along to give additional information.
 
1) Buy/rent/borrow a fuel pressure gauge for GM port fuel injected engines.
2) Buy the Factory Service manual and use the information in the fuel pressure tests section to diagnose the lack of fuel.
3) If you find no fuel problem, look at the section in the book under "cranks but won't run".
 

Corvette Forums

Not a member of the Corvette Action Center?  Join now!  It's free!

Help support the Corvette Action Center!

Supporting Vendors

Dealers:

MacMulkin Chevrolet - The Second Largest Corvette Dealer in the Country!

Advertise with the Corvette Action Center!

Double Your Chances!

Our Partners

Back
Top Bottom