Re: [DML] starting up

[knut.s.grimsrud@xxxx]

I don't see how anyone could possibly make an accurate diagnosis of a 
potential problem with a one sentence description indicated by the 
author that the car doesn't start. I have no idea how Joseph could so 
readily diagnose a fuel pump issue with the information provided.

On both of my cars, the fuel pump does not appear to start running 
until the engine is turned over and the first impulse from the coil 
is generated. I believe the RPM relay (which probably receives the 
same signal as the tach) energizes the fuelpump when it receives 
impulses (although the relay does remain energized for a second or 
two after the last impulse it receives, and hence you can sometimes 
hear the pump run for a moment after you stop cranking, especially 
when the fuel level is low), and neither of my cars seem to produce 
any fuel pump sound just from turning the ignition on.

I'm interested in knowing a little more about the situation in order 
for the readers to be better able to provide some help. When was the 
last time the car ran? How has it been stored since then? Oftentimes 
I have local club folks that have the same problem you report and 
usually it stems from the car having sat with a tank of gas in it 
since 1996.

If you suspect the fuel pump is not getting power, then a couple 
simple diagnostic tests should clear that up. I think David suggested 
a couple initial steps to take in an earlier posting. After checking 
his initial items, verify positively that the pump either does or 
does not run when the engine is being cranked. Making a diagnosis 
without having done any diagnostics seems hasty to me and I expect 
such a procedure would generally result in needlessly replacing 
working parts on your car.

Knut


--- In dmcnews@xxxx, "Joseph Molino" <foxmul@xxxx> wrote:
> 
> It is most likely your fuel pump. <SNIP>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <scottymckenzie@xxxx>
> To: <dmcnews@xxxx>
> Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2001 12:06 AM
> Subject: [DML] starting up
> 
> 
> > My D doesn't start anymore, it tries to but never gets going.
> <SNIP>
>