Not Starting/Stalling Issue

[Emackulation]

G'day Cobbers,

Yesterday avro after work I went to start the beast up and it woudn't kick over, I noticed that I coudn't hear the usual fuel pump prime noise. I hopped out and kicked the fuel tank a couple of times, went back and kicked it over, still no prime noise and it started for like 3 seconds then died. Tried starting again and this time it started and was fine, has been since.

Just to let you know, I have had problems in the past with it taking ages to start, like I will immobilize and put the keys in try and turn it over and if it don't start after a certain amount of kicks then I know it won't. I pull out the keys and put them back in and try, this time it usually kicks over within 3 seconds. I have been told that the after market immobilizer could be causing this issue, so im a bit suspect with it all.

I have also started it up reversed out of garage put in park to pull down garage door and car stops, this has happened like 4 times (over 6 months) and Once I have driven up the road and then it stoped while at an intersection.

I have 2 suspicions,
1. Fuel pump dead?
2. Immobilizer really playing up and causing the fuel pump not to prime.

But kicking the fuel tank seems to get it to start so im back tot he fuel pump theory.

Now is there anything I can do to find out what it is, Is there places that can test the fuel pressure and see if its all in good working order?

[MasterOfReality]

I think when my fuel pump died, the mechanic pulled out the fuse and tested the current draw while I cranked the motor, after kicking the **** out of the fuel tank to try and get it to work.

Can't remember what range it was supposed to be in, but it was quite low. He also stuck a pressure gauge on a fuel line and said the pump was running at 20% of full capacity.

[Reaper]

I think you are on track with the fuel pump theory. The (aftermarket) immobilizer is a pain but never gave me trouble beyond being difficult to tell if it was disengaged or not.

Come to think of it, It didn't start once as you described - took the key out, started from square one and it started immediatly. I thought I hadn't pressed the button correctly and ignored it. It was a very hot 40+ degree day if that is any help to you.

The car is getting old enough that the pump may be getting ready to die. I did one in a friends VP Calais - about 2 hours all up to get the tank out, remove the sender/pump unit, invent a few new words while trying to angle the thing around the swirl pot and put the tank back again. It's a job most people with basic mechanical aptitude should be able to do. Most mechanics should be able to check the fuel pressure for you.

Reaper

Ps. Probably not related but check the fuel filter - I never looked at it in the time I owned the car so god knows how long it has been on there for.

[Emackulation]

Both think the fuel pump hey, My mums VR pump just died too, cost em like $250 for replacement. I changed the fuel filter once I got her up here, I think I may be lazy man on this one and get some1 else to do it for me haha.

[Bz Kn33z]

C'mon mate its not that hard to change the pump buy1 for 70-100 and wack it in or get a bigger 1.

[Emackulation]

Too lazy these days, maybe, ill see how keen I get.

[AirStrike]

Why not get a Walbro intank pump so you have some flow in reserve and fit it yourself. I did both the intank and external ones on the SS, not a drama.

[Emackulation]

Walbro you say, how much Kermit?

[Luka]

kermit?. . . . . .. . .. . .

[Emackulation]

Kermit = Airstrike.
I found this on ebay, wondering if it would fit?
Walbro 600hp Intank Fuel Pump - eBay VT, VX, VY, Holden, Car Parts, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 26-Nov-07 20:53:04 AEDST)

[AirStrike]

Yep that's the one, and half the price of a stock bosch replacement like I stupidly used

[Emackulation]

Ill get bidding then :P