What's the best way to test for fuel? I believe the car is not getting fuel.

The car is a 1993 touring model, 5-speed. The car just died one day and wouldn't start again. There's gas in the tank.

So far, i've put gas in the tank and the car just won't turn over. After I spray carb cleaner in the UIM (I think that's what it's called) the car wants to start, but I believe it's just not getting fuel. Battery is strong. I've hooked up a battery tender to make sure my battery is getting full power.

I've read and searched preparing to replace the fuel pump and fuel filter -- thanks to the guys who posted their HOW TO's this makes things so much easier.

Usually on my other cars, I would just unhook the fuel feed or return hose and dump to an empty bottle and crank to see if fuel is coming to the motor. Is there a similar or easier way to do this on my FD?

Thanks,

Rino

 

Also FYI - Ran diagnostics on the car, no CEL..

 

I would pull the spark plugs and pull the ignition fuse. the have a friend start the car with the gas pedal down and see if you smell raw fuel...

A better way would be removing the feed fuel line by the gas tank and having a friend flip the ignition key.

 

Well, first of all. Let's make sure the pump is functioning.

1). GO in the car, close to door put the key in ignition and turn it to ACC or first turn. Then quietly listen for the pump.

2) If you heard a buzzing noise coming from the rear, that's the pump priming the fuel system. So you pump "maybe" good or there's power and ground to the pump.

3) Then if you can, just disconnect one of the fuel supply line on the driver side, have a rag over the line and have a buddy turn the key on and see if fuel are pumping out. If so, you are getting fuel.

I guess this would be the easier way without any diagnostic tools like a fuel pressure gauge. Good luck.

-AzEKnightz

 

Rino from mr2oc who use to have the mk1.5?

If so welcome to rotary man :p, glad I'm not the only who left the mr2's for the rx7

good luck on the fuel problem!

 

Hey, yeah that's me. I actually had an FC a few years ago. And thanks for the good luck I'm going to need it

For #3 I'll look for the fuel supply line on the drivers side (I hope you are referring to LHD) and have a friend crank the car. Time to dig in the factory manual..

I suppose I can remove the fuel feed line by the gas tank to check if the pump is feeding fuel. I just wanted to see if the gas actually made it to the engine. Thanks for the tip.

 

What you can do as well which might be easier... Remove the fuel return line... then remove the fuel pump relay located in the long black box thats located in the very front by the IC(Intercooler). Use a jumper wire( any piece of wire 12g or better) and jump the relay to turn on the fuel pump. That way you dont have to flood the motor. And you can see if the fuel is making it through the fuel rails...

Chris

 

Go rent a set of node light testers from the local parts store. They should have a set of 4-5 to rent and one of them will plug into the connectors for the fuel injectors. Crank the car over and see if the node light starts blinking, if it does you are getting a signal from the CAS/ECU to fire the injectors. If you still arent getting fuel and they test out ok, the problem should be easy to find.

Check for fuel pressure(cheap gauge and an easy 10 minute test with some clamps and extra fuel hose).

 

I've never used that but I'll give it a shot. That was probably going to be my 2nd question is how to test the injectors. Thanks

Awesome advice.

Thanks for the recommendations and advice that everyone in here has posted. I'm a bit busy this week but I will be trying all of these things this coming weekend. Hopefully she starts.

I'll be posting up results once I finish diagnosing.

 

A real easy way to check for fuel pump operation is to use the diagnostic connector:



jumper that connector with the key in the "run" position, engine off.

 

Just an update

I couldn't hear the fuel pump prime when I turn the ignition on so I decided to remove the pump from the assembly. After manually running 12v to the pump it wouldn't power on until about the 5th try. Seized maybe? But after that the pump was working fine while I was testing it outside the car. Anyway, I put the pump back in the the assembly and back in the gas tank. Removed the feed line at the back of the car and tried cranking the car could finally see fuel being dumped out.

Next thing to test was to see if fuel was going to the motor. Apparently, it's not making it all the way to the front of the car. Clogged lines? fuel pump dying (not supplying enough pressure?) or maybe clogged fuel filter?

I was thinking of manually running a line from the fuel pump to the motor, bypassing the fuel filter.

I know there was a re-call on fuel lines, does anyone know what that was for?

 

With the indication of the pump seizing, you pump is definitely no good. I would definitely have that replace before putting it in the back. However you've already done that.

Instead of running a line form the pump, why not just remove the line before the fuel filter and see if there's enough fuel going there? If so, then after the fuel filter? Or just simply after the fuel filter and prime the system to see if you have enough flow after the fuel filter.

Also, I need to let you know that with fuel flowing doesn't mean you have the right "volume" of fuel going to the engine.

Let us know if you have any updates.

-AzEKnightz

 

I'll order or buy a new fuel filter and do more tests and will do an update. Thanks

 

just go ahead and bite the bullet and order a Walbro 255lph or track down a Denso Supra Pump - while you're doing it. Both are better options than re-fitting a stock fuel pump. It'll be cheaper and better flow.



The fuel filter will be a major PITA to get at. I would recommend looking at some of the other options for fuel filter replacement via the search function. In short, you can relocate it down to where you can get to it easier in the future. B/c it gets relocated you can upgrade the filter to a better micron one. OR a Corvette one via any parts store. 5/16 fuel line, a new filter.


GL!