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Topic: Fuel Starvation Problem

in Forum: C4 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems

Fuel Starvation Problem

Posted: 7/21/12 6:17pm Message 1 of 9
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Rancho Palos Verdes, CA - USA
Joined: 7/21/2012
Posts: 4
Vette(s): 1991 White Hardtop, Automatic, 104,000mi
Problem first occurred while at Freeway speed (65mph)
Loss of power and stalling, almost like I had run out of gas.
Pulling over I restarted and had a normal response to acceleration, this lasted for about a mile and then the problem of stalling returned.
Pulling off the Freeway I was able to nurse the car home by restarting every mile or so, then the stalling problem would return, a restart would get it going again for a limited time.

I think this problem is a fuel starvation problem, but I'm not sure where to start, Fuel Pump, Fuel filter, injectors, or should I be looking for an Electrical problem?
Has anyone seen this problem before?   


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Re: Fuel Starvation Problem

Posted: 7/21/12 6:59pm Message 2 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2246
Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine. 1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.
I would suggest checking fuel pressure first, but it do sound like a possible clogged fuel filter, or pump issue. You might change the fuel filter, and see how it runs then, but checking the pressure would sure get you pointed int he right direction. If the pressure is where it should be, then you're looking at an ignition problem, most likely.


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Re: Fuel Starvation Problem

Posted: 7/22/12 5:02am Message 3 of 9
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I would also start by checking fuel pressure....should be around 45psi with key on / engine off give or take 5psi either way...with engine running normally 36-42 psi. If you can get a pressure gauge with a long enough hose it would be a good idea to "tape" the gauge to the windshield and drive the car so that you can see what the pressure is when the problem actually occurs......Thumbs Up   JMO


Re: Fuel Starvation Problem

Posted: 7/22/12 7:27am Message 4 of 9
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I hate to add to it, but sounds the same as when my Optispark went bad. Mine felt just like that except I had to wait a few minutes before it would go again. Fuel pumps usually work or they don't so after you check your fuel pressure, that would be next. There is another post in engines if you're interested.


Re: Fuel Starvation Problem

Posted: 7/22/12 10:27pm Message 5 of 9
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91's don't have optispark. So I'm going with fuel pump.I've had dozens and dozens of fuel pumps in various GM's be "marginal". Ie they worked most or some of the time, but caused drivability problems. I don't agree that fuel pumps are go/no-go. They can definitely be "marginal".

|UPDATED|7/22/2012 10:27:11 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|



Re: Fuel Starvation Problem

Posted: 7/26/12 11:37am Message 6 of 9
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So MikeVette, what was it?


Re: Fuel Starvation Problem

Posted: 7/26/12 4:31pm Message 7 of 9
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363
Vette(s): 1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto 1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto
i would start with the fuel filter as that is a classic sign of a dirty filter. had a vehicle that would start bucking at about 40. eased off and would run a little better. went to buy a fuel filter and it quit completely. IMO if the filter is clogged you might get a false reading.
 
hope it is an easy one.





















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Re: Fuel Starvation Problem

Posted: 7/29/12 2:21pm Message 8 of 9
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Rancho Palos Verdes, CA - USA
Joined: 7/21/2012
Posts: 4
Vette(s): 1991 White Hardtop, Automatic, 104,000mi
Most responses pointed towards a fuel pump or fuel filter problem.
Immediately ordered a fuel pressure gauge and a new filter.
Hooked up fuel gauge today and drove around for several hours with the gauge taped to front window.
The stalling problem never returned, pressure remained steady at 38 to 40 while driving, went up to 45 after turning engine off. I'll try again tomorrow and go on Freeway to see if it returns.



Re: Fuel Starvation Problem

Posted: 7/30/12 7:30am Message 9 of 9
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I blow through the old filter (in direction of flow) when I replace them if I'm chasing a driveability problem. It's usually pretty obvious when the filter is the culprit. It's damn near impossible to blow through it.


in Forum: C4 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems


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