Stalls - Lack of fuel?

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bockusd

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hi all: 1994 Sunbird le 3.1 multiport

Symptom, driving it hard, engine stalls out as if it was lack of fuel. Cycle the ignition, let it stand for 20 sec. then it will fire back up, rough start to smooth idle. Almost appears that it is a fuel problem (lack of).

Changed the fuel filter. Same problem

Any sage advice.

ty
db
 
check the fuel rail to see if it has a port to attach a pressure tester.
rent a pressure tester and if there was no port you need to have an adapter to put into the fuel line to attach the tester.
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your 94 may not have a fuel rail Schrader valve like a tire inflation valve. Look on the engine where the fuel goes into the hard pipe that connects to the injectors. My 94 2.0L
does not have it. If not then you would be better taking it to a shop because you need special fittings to separate and install to be able to connect a fuel pressure gauge.

If the V6 eng has the valve, then you can connect a gauge to it, start the car and read the pressure. If you can get a 2nd person to just turn the key on and off while you watch you may be able to see the fuel pump prime pressure.

Many here have replaced the fuel pump only to discover that wasn't the problem, because they did not check the pressure first. You are on the right path.
 
OK, thankyou for the advice. One last question. If the pressure is low, what else besides the fuel pump would cause this?

thanks in advance.

db
 
yes what Zimgxp said above. The initial pressure is around 40-50 psi to overcome the injectors, but the regulator kicks in after it starts down to around 7 to 9 psi.
At least my little 2.0L it does.
You can check the regulator by removing the vacuum hose and see if fuel leaks out. If it does its bad.
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The way they checked the fuel pressure on these cars ( JBodies )was a gizmo that attached between the tank and the fuel filter under the back of the car.

Most likely big auto parts stores don't rent it out anymore since it's so old school, but you can try. ( or find a shop that has one )

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 
Actron CP7817 TBI fuel pressure tester is the kit to find.

There is a YouTube video with a guy permently installing the port adapter on his 95 Chevy truck which is the same principal.Said he got it from O'Reilleys Auto Parts. Amazon sells the the whole kit with the guage.

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 
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