98 Chev Astro Van doesn't pump fuel. HELP PLS!
I have a 98 Chev Astro van. It acted by it was running out of gas the other day, I pulled over, it didn't die. I took gas cap off, put it back on and vehicle ran fine for about 70-80 more miles! Got it home okay. The next day, the vehicle started okay. I had decided to change the fuel filter just in case. After changing it, the vehicle would not start. The fuel pump is not pumping fuel and the vehicle won't start now. I can pour fuel into the throttle body and it will start, but won't stay running because it is not pumping fuel. Does anyone have a clue what is going on?
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Comments
Sounds like your '98 van's fuel pump is blown. If wondering, blown fuel pumps are common "design weak spots" within the Astro / Safari van line. Their fuel pump is within the gas tank and uses a "push" pumping design. If gas tank levels are below 1/4 tank too often (especially during its many years of usage), the pump seems to blow. Keeping tank levels above 1/2 makes its fuel pump last much longer - so I've been tol.
To replace the van's fuel pump, one must drop its gas tank and replace its "in tank" pump. Many purchase replacement fuel pumps off E-Bay or AC Delco (from GM dealer). Many use AC Delco replacement pumps instead of OEM pumps. When dropping the gas tank, many replace its "over rusty" gas tank straps as well. And, add longer rubber hoses above the gas tank - to ease its future tank removal. I hear its factory above tank hoses are too short and become a PITA.
For a picture of pump and entire assembly, surf: http://go.delphi.com/CS/documents/DPSS_Documents/Images/FG0068V_Top_Image.jpg
Note: When replacing the pump unit, many replace the entire assembly. And yes, they are expensive to replace (compared to a rebuilt kit). Some auto shops charge $900 for parts and labor. If you can, drop the tank yourself and save the labor hours. Thus, cutting your cost by 1/3.
Hope this helps...
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Any suggestions?
I will appreciate any help!
I did my serpentine belt as preventative maintenance -don't want that sucker breaking out in the hills.
The diagram sticker on the power steering fluid reservoir is pretty good. I started with the loop that goes around the fan shaft pulley. The belt seemed inside-out to me when I was feeding a loop up into the fan area from underneath. I kinda got it started easier after leaving it the sun to remove packaging bends (I got a cheapo).
different systems, each with their own pressure specifications. Once you have done that, you will be able to properly diagnose the problem. Either the pump is bad, or the fuel pressure regulator is bad.
Good luck, and happy hunting.
Bob
TJ