Here's a stumper for ya....

[toptechx6]

Thanks for the update. I'm a little confused, if it runs when you jump power to the pump how do you figure you have a restricion? I think I'd be looking for more rodent damage to the wiring. A good place to start would be near the damaged wire you already found for the fans. Your FSM should tell you which wire supplies the pump relay with the key on and that will help with the color to identify any damaged wires located. Hang in there and good luck.

 

[chevyaddict]

Thanks for the update. I'm a little confused, if it runs when you jump power to the pump how do you figure you have a restricion?

Because the fuel pump is running but no fuel is getting to the throttle bodies. There aren't any wires that are really exposed in the back and plus if there was critter damage then it wouldn't run even with the manual override.

 

[toptechx6]

Got it, my mistake, I was confusing "pump running" with car running! Can you inspect the line from the tank to the throttle bodies? Any chance a line might have been crushed when you had it towed? If you remove the filter and lines at the throttle body and tank you could try clearing the lines with compressed air but be careful of fire since it will vaporize the fuel that escapes.

 

[chevyaddict]

Got it, my mistake, I was confusing "pump running" with car running! Can you inspect the line from the tank to the throttle bodies? Any chance a line might have been crushed when you had it towed? If you remove the filter and lines at the throttle body and tank you could try clearing the lines with compressed air but be careful of fire since it will vaporize the fuel that escapes.

Never "tow" vehicles.. they always get put on a trailer so not possible. I plan on going back and back next weekend to see where the fuel gets to. I loath taking the fuel filter off and having that damn fuel run down your arm and on your body... this is where I stopped last weekend! Rather work on the 68!!!

 

[toptechx6]

Never "tow" vehicles.. they always get put on a trailer so not possible. I plan on going back and back next weekend to see where the fuel gets to. I loath taking the fuel filter off and having that damn fuel run down your arm and on your body... this is where I stopped last weekend! Rather work on the 68!!!

Smart girl, I've seen tow trucks do a lot of damage! I know where you are coming from about that fuel filter, I worked in dealerships for over 30 years and always hated getting fuel on me. It burns your skin and the stink takes forever to do away. Come to think of it, I was retired two years before I stopped smelling like cars!

 

[bossvette]

Never "tow" vehicles.. they always get put on a trailer so not possible. I plan on going back and back next weekend to see where the fuel gets to. I loath taking the fuel filter off and having that damn fuel run down your arm and on your body... this is where I stopped last weekend! Rather work on the 68!!!

Did that last weekend on the Wifes 82 gas stings in the armpits

there should be a schraeder valve somewhere to relieve the pressure and to see if the fuel is getting that far; try that first. The Oil pressure switch is usually located down by the filter and is a different unit then the OP gage sender.

 

[chevyaddict]

The Remedy

I tell ya..... it is amazing how a bunch of unrelated simultaneous issues culminated into the problem with the car....

Ultimately the problem was the fuel line that connects the fuel pump to the sender unit had disenigrated (sp?)... I'm guessing when he replaced the fuel pump the last time he didn't put in hose designated for the purpose of fuel. So, not only it not connected but it was goey. AND for whatever reason he reversed the wires. You could still hear the pump running but it was sucking instead of pushing. That combined with the knawed wires and a couple of broken fuses all made it seem like there was a larger problem.

Just took the car for a spin and its running great! I can't thank you all enough for the help... very much appreciate it!!!

 

[John Robinson]

Thanks for the feed back

It's good to know you figured out the problem. So many times we tend to jump on the most expensive or exotic reasons for our problems when in fact it is the small things that crop up and get us.

 

[toptechx6]

Congratulations!

Very happy to hear you got it fixed. As a retired auto technican I would agree that compound issues such as you describe are indeed the toughest to diagnose, great job sticking with it and resolving the problem. On the bright side at least the parts tab was minimal and your persistance and skill no doubt saved you a huge labor bill, nice job.

 

[bossvette]

Good job, now get back to working on the 68.

ps lately I have been using EFI spec fuel lines and clamps a little more money but better quality since I rarely sell anything it should pay off in the long run.