Car starts but stalls - fuel pump?

[MasterOfReality]

Ok,

Car is a VP Calais 5 litre.

Parked it at work yesterday morning, it was perfect.

Got in it yesterday afternoon, started it but it immediately started to struggle. Pressing the accelerator makes it stall. Putting it into reverse makes it stall. Had to leave it overnight in the work carpark, probably get it towed today.

The only thing I can think of right now is the fuel pump. It did sound a bit weird yesterday arvo, and it has been getting a lot louder over the past 3 years. You can still hear it priming, but it doesn't sound the same.

So is this a classic fuel pump drama?

Cheers

[Lost_Pete]

That's exactly what happened when my V6 fuel pump passed away. However my V6 only runs an internal fuel pump unlike the V8s.

[MasterOfReality]

Thanks for that TurboXS.

[Emackulation]

I had similar issues in my V6 with a faulty fuel pressure regulator, I don't wunna send you on a wild goose chase with what it could be, but it MAY be somthing to consider.

[MasterOfReality]

Hmmm.

Went to check out the car this morning, it wouldn't even start.

Had a mechanic on site have a look and he reckons either ignition or fuel pump. I doubt its ignition as the thing was actually running yesterday (after a while it settled down and idled) but died in the ass when the accelerator was pressed.

[STEALTHY™]

Sounds pretty much how my car was reacting when the Ignition Module was screwed.

[vn calais manual]

Sounds pretty much how my car was reacting when the Ignition Module was screwed.

id have to agree. happened to me not long ago.

[MasterOfReality]

How much would that son of a bitch cost to fix, if its the ignition module?

Damn, this stuff always happens at the least convenient moment!

[MasterOfReality]

Ok, ignore the Q about cost, I just found it in a recent thread.

[roddersmcd]

I replaced two fuel pumps in commodores i have owned previously. easy to change and didn't cost that much from memory. 10 min job at that. It Fixed the problem both times. I feel that if it primes and starts ok, and will even run ok for a few seconds straight after starting it, then die, it sounds to me its the fuel pump. Let us know whats you work out anyway.

RoddersMcD

[STEALTHY™]

The problem is getting to the bastard. I think if i remember correctly, labour was dearer than the part.

[Dan355]

Its not hard once youv sussed out how the sender comes out and goes back in. Took me longer to syphon the tank than doing the job.

[Lost_Pete]

This is what I did for the V6.

Just put in the fourth fuel pump!

#1 Original - After 10 years then stopped.

#2 Cheap aftermarket ($40) - Ran for a week and then left us stranded on a major road in peak hour.

#3 Replacement (warranty) cheap aftermarket - Ran for 2 years then the car started losing power and running lean. The car ran so lean I actually heard it knocking under acceleration for the first time ever. Car took longer than normal to start in the morning. Fuel pump made odd noises and then finally stopped. NRMA guy said to buy a Holden fuel pump or at least a good brand.

#4 Known brand ($90 trade to $120 retail) aftermarket - I'll let you know how it goes.

Prices range from cheap on eBay to $95 at Repco to $195 at Holden.

Yes it is easy to change but a real pain. Here is a guide which may or may not be correct.

1. Find fire extinguisher, fire blanket and a safe place. Depressurize fuel system by pulling fuel pump fuse and running car.
2. Drain tank. I can never syphon these things so I remove the lower bolt from the fuel pump and fuel level sender holder and drain into a bucket.
3. Disconnect fuel pump and fuel sender electrical connectors.
4. Disconnect fuel line to tank.
5. Remove the bolts holding the fuel pump and fuel sender holder.
6. Remove holder and disconnect fuel pump connector.
7. Slide pulsator away from fuel pump and work fuel pump out of the holder.
8. Put the new fuel pump in and reassemble using the new rubber bits.
9. Fit holder back into tank using a new cork gasket (came with fuel pump). Make sure it is in the right way.
10. Now while the tank is empty now is a good time to drop the tank slightly and change those plastic breather tubes which are so old that they are probably cracked and broken. There are two on the top of the tank. I used fuel line instead. While you're at it you might as well change any other suspect fuel lines.
11. Also while the fuel system is depressurized why not change the fuel filter as well.
12. Bolt up the tank if you have dropped it.
13. Reconnect the fuel lines to the fuel pump holder.
14. Reconnect the electrical connectors to the fuel pump holder.
15. Put some fuel into the tank and check for leaks.
16. Replace fuse. Prime the fuel system by turning the car on and check for leaks.
17. Start car and go................

While we are talking fuel systems have a look at this report;

"A Testing Based Assessment to Determine Impacts of a 20% Ethanol Gasoline Fuel Blend on the Australian Passenger Vehicle Fleet"

This part of the report shows the effect of E20 on fuel components of older cars, complete with pictures;

http://www.deh.gov.au/atmosphere/fue...materials.html

[greenfoam]

bash the fuel tank underneath right in it's guts if that fixes it for a while it's the fuel pump, sounds like it is anyway

[308vkcalais]

Sounds like a fuel pump gone.U should be able to hear & feel it running thru the tank.Did a VN V6 fuel pump recently in my son's car.It had power but was tortally cactus coz we had no fuel at the rail.$60 got us a newie.They are the same or similar to the internal 5 litre VK's.

[MasterOfReality]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Well I had the RAQC come out to work to have a look at the car, and it was basically traced down to a weak fuel pump, as its current draw was really low, and plus a stuffed ignition module.

The bitch thing is, I am in a rental property which I am leaving in 2 weeks to move into my new house which has 4 car garage and I don't have any room to do the work here, so that means the mechanic has to do it haha. Looks like I wont have much change out of $1000 for this episode!

[MasterOfReality]

Ok, got the car back.

It was the fuel pump.

The new one is a lot quieter than the old one, and the car starts a lot easier too.

[Emackulation]

So how much did it cost you in the end mate?

[MasterOfReality]

I got it done together with a service, so the total was $410.

Fuel pump itself was $110, labour $112, and the rest was the service and consumables.