Car not wanting to start due to engine trouble

[countryboyofal]

I have a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire. Yesterday I was driving home and I was hearing a noise like something was scraping the ground and after I got off a bridge the whole car just lost power. I got it towed home and started to look to see if I could find the problem. I know for a fact that the engine is not getting gas, the electrical system is trying to start the car like it is suppose to, which means that its not electrical. I used my check engine scanner, and no codes popped up on the scanner, so the computer is thinking that the car is fine. I popped the hood and saw smoke coming from the air filter I believe, the black thing that has "2200 SFI" written on it, it ends at a black box that would be behind the battery is where the smoke was coming up at. I asked the tow driver what he thought it could be and he said that a valve might have dropped into the head, or possible dropped into the piston, and I was wondering if I could get some help, I know very little about working on cars.

 

[melsg5]

do a fuel pressure test. How many miles since you changed the fuel filter? How do you know the engine has a fuel problem? Did you look under the car to see if anything was scraping the ground?

 

[countryboyofal]

I haven't changed the fuel filter since I've had it, I got it in Sept 2008. I have a feeling that it is not receiving fuel because last week I was at school and the engine was not getting any gas, I had to get a classmate to help me and he told me just flood it to try to get the car to start, and it started when I pressed the gas pedal, still had a little trouble starting, like there was very little gas getting the engine. Yes I looked under the car numerous times to make sure there was nothing scrapping, and there wasn't. A month after I got it the fuel pump itself went out, but that was the only fuel problem, I have had since now.

I'll be back tomorrow morning to see if anyone replies. I'll try to answer every question with as much specifications as I can. Thanks for the help

 

[melsg5]

You replaced the fuel pump but didnt replace the fuel filter? If so, not a good idea try replacing the filter. Again you say not getting gas without pressure testing you have no way of knowing that. Do you mean the engine isnt responding to your pressure on the gas pedal?

______________________________

 

[countryboyofal]

Well I didn't, It was still under warranty at the time, so the dealership that I got it from, sent it to a 3-party mechanic that did the work, I just know that the fuel pump was replaced, and Yea I guess you can put the gas pedal saying like that. I mean when I try to start it, I press the gas, and still nothing. I'm suppose to get a mechanic to look at it tomorrow, I'm just trying to kinda get an idea of where I think he should start looking you know?

Also when I put the key into the ignition and put it on the click before actually starting the car, the power steering and the brakes are suppose to loosen, or at least in my car they did. Now when I put it on that click the steering doesn't want to work and the brakes are pumped to the max, I do not know why or how, all I know is that whatever happen apparently affected those too. I'm thinking of checking the fuel pump and filter today after class.

If you don't mind let me know of any other advice or help you can give me.