Fuel problems

[zanthus]

So I just got the car to drive. It normally runs beautifully but on my way to work yesterday i was about 8 miles out and only a half mile from home, and poof it died. Well maybe not poof but it lost power started to studder then just died. So I got to work called a tow and had them drop it off. Went back out about 2 hours after it had been dropped off and tried to start it. After cranking a few times it started right up.

It did the same thing on the ride home too, but I went a different way home so I could park at my friends house. When I got there the car died again. Went out today after work and it started right up again.

I'm just wondering if my fuel pump might be going out? Anyone have that problem on their 280's? I had already drained the tank flushed the lines put in new injectors and changed the filter so I'm not sure what else would be wrong other than the fuel pump. I was gonna drive it about 40 miles but if I cant even take 9 miles then I'm kinda screwed. As always thanks for the help.

[beandip]

What type of ignition ? When he engine died and wouldn't start was there spark at the plugs? Was the fuel filter full? These things will give you a clue as to what is going on. Obviously , no spare check the ignition. If your filters are dirty change them. Gary

[zanthus]

Filters were new. I had spark, just no gas. Filters could be dirtier now but not clogged since it started right up after sitting for a little while.

[beandip]

Have you had any trouble with the ignition switch? I don't claim to know much about the year of Z you are driving. If you had a 240 I would say to look at the ignition switch. With your car do you know where the power is controlled to the fuel pump? Have you had any other trouble or have you been working on it and maybe a unrelated problem. I am trying to raise questions since no one else has come forward here. Could it be that you are loosing power to the pump? It must be something along these lines since you have power to the plugs as you stated. Check for loose connection at the pump , or maybe a compromised connection along the way . Is the pump grounded ? I hope some of this helps. Gary:cry:

[zbane]

If the fuel pump is going out, more likely than not you will be able to hear it whining.

I would be inclined to think that there is some crud in the tank, and it is getting sucked into to sending unit, clogging the pump's filter-or just your in-tank filter. After the car has set for a bit, the crud settles down/around and allows fuel to easily pass once again. Pull the sending unit, and take a look at the interior condition of your tank.

Just because you drained the old gas does not mean you drained all the crap out of the tank...

[Neumeier]

The same thing happened to me a few weeks ago. There is a thread posted on this by me that you can find. Of course, there are lots of possibilities, but in my case, the pump sounded fine it just did not provide adequate pressure. The impeller in the pump was worn out and had carved its way into the pump surface. Lots of metal filings inside. This made for large clearances and no pressure. The car had 112,000 miles on the original pump.

You really need to check your fuel pump pressure. It should be around 35 psi. Mine was down at 15 with the bad pump. If it is your pump, be sure to use the correct high pressure fuel line anywhere between the motor and the pump. I'd replace the fuel line near the pump and near the filter. You will have to replace the filter since it will have lots of metal filings.

I bought an airtex fuel pump from oreilley's auto parts (check on line if you don't have a store near you). It was about $120 and it works fine with minor modification. Be careful with the brass fitting which cannot be overtightened. Also, make sure that it has two copper gaskets on it.

Good luck!