Hi there so I drove my 93 VDP about 40 minutes the other night and returned home with just below 1/4 of a tank of fuel.

I went out the next morning to find the engine would crank but would not start....and will not start now.

I checked the fuses all good, I added 3 gallons of fuel just in case, and I removed the battery, charged it, and replaced it.

I'm now at a loss. Assuming it's fuel related. Im hoping someone out there has some suggestions or can point me to the process to replace the fuel pump? Never had a relay go Overnight like that so I'm not sure that it's that.

HELP!!

 

Drohalloran, I would start with this simple test. Go out to the car and sit down in the driver's seat. Now, insert the key and turn it to the RUN position (NOT the START). Do you hear the fuel pump running? It should run atleast for a few seconds, potentially longer. After about 5 seconds, now turn the key to the START position and see if the car will start.

If the car starts, then your fuel pump is going bad. Time to replace it. If the car did not start or you are not hearing the fuel pump running, place the key back in the RUN position and go out to the gas tank area. Hopefully there is a little "half moon" recess in your fuel tank on one side. IN the middle of that half moon, make a fist and give that area a good whack. Do you now hear the fuel pump? If yes, another sign that your fuel pump is starting to go. If the fuel pump started, you may have 1 more start in it, you may have a 1,000. It would be time to replace the fuel pump.

Now, using a bit of starting fluid, spray it into the intake (removing a vacuum line temporarily or simply spraying a fair amount into the intake opening). Attempt to start the car again. Did it run for a second or so? If yes, then you have confirmed a bad fuel pump (whether a bad relay or a bad pump). If not, your problem may be more spark related and further troubleshooting will be required.

 

Firstly thank you so much for this amazing and cohesive explanation!!

So I went out to the car, I think I can hear the pump I'm not sure though. I heard something whirring for about 20 seconds or so, but still no start. I put the key in the off position and then back to run and didn't hear that whirring again.

Wondering if it could be CPS?

 

Yes sometimes I find having another person turn the key while I am at the back of the car I can hear the pump better.

One other tip is to cycle the key on and off several times before you try to crank and start the engine. When the engine is NOT running providing power to the fuel pumps will cause them run for a few seconds and this can get you some fuel for a possible start.

But it sounds like to me you will need a new fuel pump. They are wear items and the car is 32 years old at this point and I am sure the pump is well worn by this time.
Do you have fuel at the fuel rail?

There are good threads on the forum on changing fuel pumps so do some searches to see how big a job it is.

If you suspect a sensor do you have a code reader and have you scanned the car?
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Drohalloran, confirm with the starter fluid test. But, it is sounding like your fuel pump has bit the dust. Like clubairth1 said, it is 32 years old and they are known for wearing out. Getting a fuel pressure check is a good idea as that is a definitive "Yes, it works" through a good pressure, or "No, dagnabit". Not sure what good pressures are for your car. Hopefully someone else will know.

 

Just a quick update: shot some starting fluid in the intake and.....zippo.

Pulled a plug and grounded it to the block and had zero spark.

Just ordered a new coil so let's see what happens