Hi Guys,

I drive a 94 Caprice 9C1 - the car always drove like a dream, but couple of days ago it suddenly stalled while crusing at 25 MPH, and the gas gauge started "floating" and all the other gauges laid down completely. The car didn't restart (although I had full battery power and it tried to turn the engine for a while). Could it be that there was not enough gas in the car? I put in 3 gallons from a canister - no help. I appreciate any advice - the mechanic wants to replace the alternator for 600 bucks, and change the coil for another 600!!!!

Jeez $600, glad im going to be a mechanic, but do it yourself. The problem sounds electrical so i think the alternator is the way to go. Hardest part is getting the belt off and on( atleast it was on the wagon,but the 307 is no LT1).

LA Joe,

Start checking fuses. You might also want to take a close look at the main power node (stud) in the UEC. The original stud used on '94s was a cast zinc piece. Retrofits used a bronze stud instead. The originals caused poor connections, heating, damage to the bussing in the power center, and soemtimes fires.

If you find that your's is failing, you can get an aftermarket stud or a P/N 12176639 from the dealer parts department.

LA Joe,

Start checking fuses. You might also want to take a close look at the main power node (stud) in the UEC. The original stud used on '94s was a cast zinc piece. Retrofits used a bronze stud instead. The originals caused poor connections, heating, damage to the bussing in the power center, and soemtimes fires.

If you find that your's is failing, you can get an aftermarket stud or a P/N 12176639 from the dealer parts department.

Hi Guys,

Just an update on the situation, the alternator was replaced, but they also "recommend" cleaning the fuel injection system...What I found out from the factory-guy is that in the Caprice with fuel injection (94 and up) the SAFETY GAS-LEVEL is 3/8 (!!!) of the tank. if you driving up hill or the car is standing uneven and you are low on gas, the car can stall. Unfortunately the fuel gauge is unreliable, so do not let the needle approaching the 1/4 mark !!! Its really a screw-up on GM's part cause you might wait for the "low fuel" light to come up and then its way too late.

hah, just the opposite with my 84, i can drive around for a week and a half on empty

Not mine - it starts sputterin' when the needle is at the 1/8 mark.

Its really a screw-up on GM's part cause you might wait for the "low fuel" light to come up and then its way too late.
You shouldnt run your tank that low everytime, unless you like putting in new fuel pumps :P Filliing up at 1/4 is cheap insurance to not have fuel pump problems in the future

does it harm the fuel pump to run low on fuel?

Yes, it can destroy pumps. Chew on the following: most pumps (especially high speed ones like the one in your tank) require cooling. Often, they get the cooling from the medium they pump. However, if the level in your tank drops too low and uncover the inlet, or does not cover it enough to build up the pressure so that the pump starts "sucking" dry. Most pumps are NOT designed to run dry and will burn up the motor that runs it. Also, any trash, debree, gunk, etc. in your tank will usually float at the top. When the level drops enough, the pump might suck this material throught the strainer and clog up your pump. Thats why capriceowns recommends not letting your level get too low.

Yes, it can destroy pumps. Chew on the following: most pumps (especially high speed ones like the one in your tank) require cooling. Often, they get the cooling from the medium they pump. However, if the level in your tank drops too low and uncover the inlet, or does not cover it enough to build up the pressure so that the pump starts "sucking" dry. Most pumps are NOT designed to run dry and will burn up the motor to runs it. Also, any trash, debree, gunk, etc. in your tank will usually float at the top. When the level drops enough, the pump might suck this material throught the strainer and clog up your pump. Thats why capriceowns recommends not letting your level get too low.

*applauds* Well Said.