Hello everyone, I'm back again with another weird issue with my 1988 Vanden Plas, several weeks ago I drove the car on a two hour round trip, on the way home, the car simply lost all power and died. When I turned the key to run I could not hear a priming pulse from the fuel pump. After 10 minutes or so it fired back up and went down the road without issue. I naturally assumed that it was a fuel pump issue, swapped the pump, and drove the car for about two weeks without issue. At that point, when the car was being used to run errands, the new pump got loud and shortly after the problem reoccurred. After doing some research I found that this could be an issue with the evaporative emissions system, so I loosened the fuel cap and had to take the car on a longer trip. The car did just fine on that trip, the next day however I took it on a run to the next town over, approximately 18 miles, on the way home it did the same exact thing, stalling, no power, let it sit 10 minutes, and continue on my way. This time I made the entire run with the cap loose to no avail. Before I go warrantying the new fuel pump I'd love input from others in case there's something I'm missing. The only thing I'm certain of is the fact that it's fuel pump adjacent due to the noise from the pump when the issue occurs, when it restarts the priming pulse is no longer a low hum, it's a short, almost screeching sound.

Thanks,
Evan

 

I don't have an 88 and from what I read they are different than later models, but--- maybe try swapping the pump relay as a cheap or free test? Perhaps the relay is going bad. When this happens have you been able to feel the pump to see if it may be overheating (not sure why it would)? It sounds like maybe you have a poor electric connection to the pump. I hope others can come up with better suggestions than this.

 

Hi Evan,

Did you replace the fuel filter when you installed the new pump? Is it possible the new fuel pump is having to work against a partially clogged filter? If not, then the new fuel pump may be faulty.

You can check for diagnostic trouble codes by turning the key to position II (ignition ON but do not crank the engine). Press and release the VCM button on the trip computer. Watch for a message to appear in the small display window below the speedometer where the odometer/mileage counter normally appears. DTCs appear in the form of Fuel Fault or FF and a numeral, such as FF8. If you get a message, write it down exactly as it appears and post it here and we'll try to help.

Thinking about your EVAP system, I do seem to recall that when the carbon canister control valve (Rochester valve) stuck closed, it could lead to excessive vacuum in the fuel tank. But check for DTCs to see if a stored code will give you a clue.

Cheers,

Don