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97 saturn sc-how to change a fuel pump?


ted57
10-07-2008, 05:26 PM
Ok, I am back in trying to solve my step sons car problem.

Is it the fuel Pump? We have changed the fuel filter and ects to the brass one.
The fuel pump relay is ok and can hear the fuel pump priming. The car still will not start, now if we use starter fluid the car will start and stay running,
But will not start on its own!

Any ideas!!!

Thanks in advance.

RC1488
10-10-2008, 01:41 AM
Essential the fuel tank has to be removed, and then the pump is easily access. However, be sure the pump is the issue. Make sure there is power to the pump and it primes when the Key is in the RUN position. Wouldnt want to do all that work and find out thats not the issue!

ted57
10-11-2008, 08:08 AM
The pump relay clicks and you can hear the pump prime, The car has always had a starting problem.
Motor will turn over, back off the key and ingage again will start.
Sometimes will not start(motor turns over). Come back later will start.
We did change the fuel filter!
Now motor just turns over, no start!
Mechanic suggest that their is a ball Valve inside the fuel pump that is not working proper?

RC1488
10-13-2008, 03:30 PM
Have you replaced the ECTS with a brass one?

The '97 year did have a bad check valve in the pump from the factory. However, letting the pump prime the rail again and then turning the car over, it would start no problem. Its more an annoyance thing than a real issue

ted57
10-14-2008, 05:41 PM
Please keep in mind this is my step sons car, he lives out on his own.

To make a long story short the darn car was out of gas!!

I learned a lot on this form and Yes we will still change the ects, his fan does not work I found out. Also changed the gas filter.

Thanks Very much for this form and members.
Ted
:banghead:

RC1488
10-14-2008, 11:09 PM
:runaround:O mannnn

The simplest of simplest things to check.

We all sometimes look over the simple things ....


Glad you figured it out tho!

ted57
12-09-2008, 02:58 PM
Ok, I thought I had this problem fixed, I know it has been a while, but the car is still not running.
After putting gas in and changing the ECTS, the car started, the very next day it would not start.
The fuel pump comes on and seems to be priming, now on a warm day it will start sometimes, on a cold day it will not.
If I spray starter fluid into the car it will start and stay running, the next day it will not start, then starter fluid, it will start.

The last time my step son had it running I asked him to stop a shop and have the fuel pressure check, well being like most step son's, he did not have this done.
Now he wants me to buy him a fuel pump, I have resissted now for months, Now my wife is involved and due to our Grand daughter I am losing this battle.

Can the fuel pump need replaced for it is not producing enough pressure?

Can it be the fuel injector pressure regulator?

RC1488
12-09-2008, 08:04 PM
The '97 year did have a bad check valve in the pump from the factory. However, letting the pump prime the rail again and then turning the car over, it would start no problem. Its more an annoyance thing than a real issue.

Tell your step son to turn the key RUN, put his seat belt on, and then start the car. Should start no issues

RC1488
12-15-2008, 01:44 PM
Buy a fuel Pressure tester from harbor freight for your step some for x-mas. Check the pressure when it will not start. Good pressure is around 38psi.

Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJF5Lli4xq8

Also make sure there is spark when the car wont start.

Another thing to test is the Throttle Position Sensor. When the car wont start, turn the car off and remove the key. Insert the key, turn it to RUN wait for the pump hum to stop and start the car. If it starts, then a fualty TPS may be the issue. Also if this does nothing, tap the TPS with the end of a screw driver. Again attempt to start the car.

Id really hate for you to buy a fuel pump, change it, and find its not the issue :(

ted57
12-15-2008, 05:04 PM
Buy a fuel Pressure tester from harbor freight for your step some for x-mas. Check the pressure when it will not start. Good pressure is around 38psi.

Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJF5Lli4xq8

Also make sure there is spark when the car wont start.

Another thing to test is the Throttle Position Sensor. When the car wont start, turn the car off and remove the key. Insert the key, turn it to RUN wait for the pump hum to stop and start the car. If it starts, then a fualty TPS may be the issue. Also if this does nothing, tap the TPS with the end of a screw driver. Again attempt to start the car.

Id really hate for you to buy a fuel pump, change it, and find its not the issue :(

So,Do I check the pressure when the pump is priming ?

Am I wrong, In thinking it is not the fuel pump, for when it does start, the car will stay running?

RC1488
12-15-2008, 10:24 PM
The '97 year did have a bad check valve in the pump from the factory. However, letting the pump prime the rail again and then turning the car over, it would start no problem. Its more an annoyance thing than a real issue.

Tell your step son to turn the key to RUN, put his seat belt on, and then start the car. Should start no issues.

The pump isnt bad, it just doesnt hold pressure for very long after it shuts off. Thats why you just need to wait a second for the fuel rail to pressurize.

Yes. Then Follow the video from there. You should get 3 values. 1 for when the key is in the RUN position, pump has primed and you have NOT cranked the car off. Then one for when the car is running. And then the third for when the car is shut off after about 5 minutes.

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