Any ideas? Possible fuel pump problem?

[Phantomx55]

Two weeks ago I parked my car in my driveway on a Friday and didn't start it all weekend. I went to start it the following Monday to go to work and it wouldn't turn over. I thought it could be the fuel pump and I checked what I thought was the schrader but I don't think it was (valve under the engine cover with a green cap?).

I had it towed to my uncles shop and he said it started right up after adding some gas. The car had said it was about 40miles left til empty, and it was parked on a level driveway, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt.

Yesterday morning the same thing happened and this time it said 80miles to empty. I went and got a couple gallons and it put it to 120miles and the truck started right up.

I don't think I am getting a false reading on my fuel level because I immediately went to the gas station and it only took 16 gallons instead of well over 20 if it was that low.

Any ideas out there of what could possibly be the problem?

 

[Rivieraracing]

Are you saying that it wouldn't even turn over or that it just would only turn over but not start? If it's the first one, then that would have nothing to do with your fuel pump but thinking it just wouldn't start!! Please clarify!

 

[Phantomx55]

It would crank and sputter once, but would die immediately. Same thing happened this time. Let it sit all day and tried it again before I put gas in it, and it started for about 5 seconds before dying again.

 

[Rivieraracing]

Gotcha, sounds like a pump problem, need to get the pressure checked to see if it's working correctly!!
Try smacking on the bottom of the fuel tank a couple swift times with a mallet or even your hand and then see if it starts, but your problem sounds like my recent fuel pump failure!!

 

[Phantomx55]

I went and got about 5 gallons of gas and it started, but it was reading close to a 1/4 tank already..I guess it most likely would be the fuel pump, just seems weird that a little more gas made it work

 

[chauncey0337]

Maybe the sending unit is giving false readings.

 

[Rivieraracing]

Now I understand what you are getting at, maybe the sending unit arm is getting hung up before it's able to get to empty so in actuality you are running out of gas in the tank and the gauge is not showing it! I'd say drop the tank and check it out!!