Expert: Todd Puccio - 10/7/2007

Question
car stalled on my wife on interstate yesterday-it was like it stopped getting fuel-she let it set awhile then it started up again-I changed the fuel filter and it seemed to run fine then-until we just took it to the store-shut it off and came back 15-20 minutes later and it wouldn't stay running-tachometer was jumping up and down sometimes and not moving at all at times-I got the car to start up but would only idle-It would die as soon as you give it gas.

Answer
Hey Len:
I think your on the right track. It sounds like it could be a file pump issue. What you are describing is a fuel pump going bad. when it does stall does it spit and sputter before it dies? Or is it just like someone turned off the key? If it stutters than that is a sign of it run out out of gas and the car running too lean from lack of fuel. It will also cause a weird idle and will not accelerate at all and falls on it face. If it dies and it's like someone just turned off the key it could be any number of electrical gremlins that are too many to name here. I would check the fuel pressure when it's acting up That engine more than likely has between 38-44 PSi or somewhere in that ball park if it's lower than say 35 I would say it's a safe bet the pump is worn out if you waited to long to change that fuel filter then for sure the pump worked it's self to death. That is the single most neglected tune up part.. that should be changed ever 15,000 miles Maximum. Good luck ,that's a tough pump to change and it also VERY expensive. So make sure you are indeed loosing the pressure before you shell out the dough for the pump. Also buy a GOOD one preferably a AC Delco. But Wells makes a suitable product as well if you can find one for that car..