Fuel Issue

[nobody05]

going down the road the other day my buick died. It ran fine just all of a sudden it quit. I do have fuel at the rail but really low pressure. Fuel pump runs when I turn the key on but does sound abit different than what I'm used to. And yes there is gas in the tank! Just looking for some general input from somebody that knows more than I do!

[Macgyver55]

Sounds like the fuel pump went bad. A quick check of the fuel pressure will confirm if pressure is too low.

[Steve Foss]

If fuel pressure is too low, wouldn't it still run at idle but then die upon acceleration when more fuel is called for than the faulty pump can supply? I had a coupla electric fuel pumps go bad over the years, and that's how both behaved.

[Macgyver55]

Injectors require a certain minimum amount of pressure to function properly. Get right at the edge of that threshold they may idle, but get below that and it wont run at all.

I've changed a boatload of pumps that still pump but not enough pressure to run an engine.

[nobody05]

Thanks guys just what I figured also which leads to my next question does anybody know off the top of there head if there is a trap door to the sender/pump via in the trunk or under the backseat? Or is the tank going to have to be dropped?

[nobody05]

Obiously You are going to need to know it's a 1990 Buick Riviera 3.8

[Macgyver55]

Thanks guys just what I figured also which leads to my next question does anybody know off the top of there head if there is a trap door to the sender/pump via in the trunk or under the backseat? Or is the tank going to have to be dropped?

Unlikely that there is any kind of access on that car. The main thing you want to do is verify that the pressure is low before doing anything so you don't end up putting in a pump unnecessarily. It likely is the problem, but too spendy to chance without checking it out fully.

[nobody05]

Already dropped the tank! Not as hard as what i've heard! she's back tearing up the pavement! All said and done $120 (bought parts on amazon) and some cursing and labor! Thanks for your time!

[Macgyver55]

Glad it worked for you!