Sputtering and coughing

[Randy Whistler]

Well, the "Hoe is fixed. Of course it couldn't be something simple like a relay, fuse, or even fuel filter. That would have been too easy! Ended up it was the fuel pump. When we did the pressure test, it was all over the map. Had to replace the filter, lock ring and pump. Kinda expected it to be the pump, actually, being it was such a common issue with this model truck, but you're always hopeful it will be something simple to get to.

 

[OR VietVet]

So, basics located and led to the problem. This has been going on since the 14th of last month. When did you do the fuel pressure testing?

 

[Randy Whistler]

It's not my only car, so there was little rush to get it done quickly. Then there was the eye surgery(last one coming up this Monday) that set me back a bit, then the back went out . . . it's been just a cascade of joy!

We found the problem over Labor Day, when we went to change the fuel filter. My back was finally able to allow me to get under the truck, and when we did, we just went straight to the pressure test without changing the filter. There was enough corrosion under there that it seemed obvious the fuel pump would have been rotted, and it was. The lock ring looked like some aluminum foil, it was so corroded. It just kind of peeled away. I was thinking seriously about cutting a hole in the floorboard to get to the pump, but a mechanic friend helped out with his shop over the holiday and made it a lot easier. Only cost me a couple racks of ribs and a case to use his shop, which I thought was quite reasonable!