What are the symptoms of a dying fuel pump?

I'm having specific fuel delivery problems and I heard stock pumps are unreliable.

 

What problems are you having exactly?

 

The problem only occurs under specific conditions and never under normal, easy driving except on long hills.

- If I accelerate as hard as I can from a stop, the problem occurs at about 60 mph in third gear.

- If I try to get to top speed, the problem occurs at about 90-100mph (can't tell, speedo ends @ 85)

- If I try to get up a long hill, the problem occurs after about 20 seconds or so.

- At the racetrack, the problem will occur when I try to accelerate 100% out of a hairpin.

"The problem" is a sudden and obvious lack of acceleration. Although the gas pedal is pressed, it behaves as though my foot is off the gas. The engine skips and stutters trying to maintain speed, and the RPMs stay where they are and will not climb higher. It will only resume normal acceleration once i've let off the gas for a good 10 seconds or so. It feels like the fuel bowls are running out and I have to wait for them to fill up again. The problem is more acute when the gas tank is running low.

 

Yep, definately fuel starvation. This is a common problem. Assuming the filter is clean then the pump is the obvious culprit. Most people replace it with a Carter or Holley pump in conjunction with a 1-4psi Holley fuel pressure regulator.

 

Check your fuel filter first. You might want to replace it even if it is not very old. Do this before you replace the pump. Good luck.

 

What motor is in it? 12a or 13b?

 

Yes. What he said. I have the Holley red and a NOS regulator and gauge. Stay away from the Purolator Chrome Dial Regulator. It is truly a POS.

DG

 

How about a search?

 

New fuel filter fixed this same problem for me!