Expert: autohelp - 1/21/2010

Question
I recently lost my battery in my 1988 allante after putting in new battery engine would crank but no fuel I sprayed starting fluid in breather it fired I know its fuel related I unhooked battery pulled ecm fuse hooked up battery put fuse back in hit key boom fired up. Waxed her up ready to go cruise hit key same thing no fuel I tried the same fuse pulling thing no help I have no clue please help

Answer
Here is a test procedure to see if the fuel pump works when your problem occurs.

1. Remove the gas cap.

2. Listening very carefully with your head out the door and getting as close to the ground and listening at the gas tank.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position ONLY, Do NOT try and start the engine. You should be able to hear the electric fuel pump motor run for only 2 seconds and then it will stop.

4. If you can hear it run for the 2 seconds and then stop, You do NOT have a fuel pump problem.

5. If you do NOT hear the fuel pump run for the 2 seconds and then stop, Then you have a faulty fuel pump relay, a restriction in the micro screen filter at the bottom of the fuel pump, a fuel pump failure and requires replacement.

5. If the fuel pump is OK, You need to check for spark to the spark plugs.

QUESTION: Will the engine TRY and start using starting fluid ?.