While driving at highway speeds, my car started sputtering. I ignored it because it does it al the time. But it got worse than ever, then at a stop sign it stalled. It would only crank and not even try to fire. I pulled the fuel pump fuse, held it to the floor and it fired right up (flood procedure I learned from RX8's). Got it home and started checking things out and discovered the fuel pump never shuts off as long as the key is on. I ran a toggle switch for the pump so I can at least drive it back and forth to work but for it to run, I have to keep flipping the switch because it will flood out.

Because I've never had this problem before I can just tell it gonna be either a bitch or easy as hell. My first thought was a stuck relay. But where is it. Then I was wondering about a fuel pressure regulator. Anyone got some advice? Thanks in advance.

 

You said that "the fuel pump never shuts off as long as the key is on". Well, that's supposed to be the way. When the key is in the ACC or ON position, power is supposed to be given to the fuel pump.

And, sputtering at highway speeds sound more like not enough fuel is being delivered into the engine. I take it you have a 12A and not a 13B? You didn't state in your first post.

 

The pump runs fulltime with the key on, for the 79-83 models. 84-85 the pump only runs when the engine is cranking/running.
Fuel pump is not your issue.
Assuming you have a carbed engine, since you didn't say. Flooding like this is normally from either a float bowl vent solenoid not hooked up or working, or something inside the carb.
In order to actually give any more assistance, we need to know more about the car. FI or carb? If carb, which one, stock or aftermarket, and what kind if aftermarket.

 

Yeah sorry, I was at work while posting that so I was in a hurry. Its an '83 GSL 12A. Stock carb. Carb was just rebuilt a couple months ago. As for the pump running all the time, I guess I'm just used to the ones the just prime the engine for a couple seconds then shut off. I'll check the float bowl vent solenoid if I can find it. This problem occured a couple days after replacing the fuel filter so I don't know if that could be related. If you need anymore info just ask, I can only post while I'm at work but I can still read what you say by getting online via my cell phone.

 

Float bowl vent solenoid is on the front of the carb, near the fuel inlet. It should have a wire going to it, make sure it is plugged in, and getting power with the key on.
You could have some trash in the needle/seat assemblies as well. Remove the air cleaner, and LIGHTLY tap on the 2 fittings at the top of the float bowls (key on, pump running) and see if the flooding issue goes away.

 

Ok, I'll mess with that stuff right now, thanks and I'll let ya know how it turns out.

 

Look down your carburetor with fuel pump on and make sure no fuel is dripping into the throats of the carburetor. You may have a needle and seat sticking up on you.
Also check the float bowl fuel level through the windows at front and rear of carb, should be about 3/4 up the glass
Good Luck

 

Fuel level in the float bowls should be at the 1/2 mark. FYI.

 

If the carb and fuel sytem are still stock, no need to worry about an fpr. If the carb has never been rebuilt, it may be time. Before you go through that, try a can of Seafoam in the tank.

Kentetsu, you're slipping, I thought that was your favorite suggestion.