mack1

Hi Vince,
Looks like you are going to learn all our tricks before this is through. Cardoc's trick about clamping the return fuel line is a good one. Often, however, you can't either get to the hose or it isn't the type you can clamp.

Here's another trick that can tell you something about the pump. When I heard about this one, I said "yea, righttt". But I tried it on a 95 Ford pickup with a failing pump and it worked. To know if it works, you have to know what the low pressure you get while cranking the engine over long enough for it to settle out. Then, get two friends to help. While cranking, let one watch the fuel pressure gauge while the other gives the bottom of the fuel tank some firm hits with a flat piece of wood. (It's ok to say "yea righttt" at this point) See if the bottom pressure increases. If so, it might even start. That's not necessarily good news, because it means you will have to replace the fuel pump. Some pumps get sluggish while failing and this trick will sometimes jar them enough to run faster, thus more pressure.

Here's another thing everyone should be aware of. The fuel is used to cool the pump. If you routinely drive with low fuel level, you will reduce the life of the pump. It's a lot better on the pump if you keep the tank near full.

Hope this helps,
Mack1

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