Burby no starty

Tradarcher

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Creedmoor, NC
Went out this morning and my 98 Suburban would not start. It would turnover fine but wouldn't fire. I had not trouble with it up til this morning. I am suspecting the fuel pump because I don't here it running when I turn the key on. I thought maybe it would at least start and then die if it was the pump but maybe there was no pressure in the line after sitting over night. I thought I check with the site before I hit the manuals. This thing has an expensive in tank fuel pump. What else should I check before hitting the tank. I haven't checked yet but I guess I have to drop the tank. What a PITA. I just put $50 in yessterday.
 
Check fuel pump fuse. If it turns out to bethe pump, just cut a hole in the floor about where the pump should be. you'll probably have to get under it and look up on top ofthe tank to get a general idea where it is, but it beats the hell out of pumping $50 worth of gas out, finding a place to put it etc.






I gotta say this so don't get mad. A REAL auto manufacturer would have made easy access to something like this.:flipoff2:
 
Kevin,

Have your wife crank the engine while you beat on the tank with a hammer, hit it in the center, it'll probably start right up, don't shut it off till you get it where you want it to be to swap the fuel pump, cause you may not get another chance.

if it has a full tank ( they usually do) start siphoning, you gotta drop the tank to get at it, which means it needs to be at least 2ft in the air UNDER the frame rail at one end of the vehicle
 
Check the fuel pressure before you drop the tank. Just because you don't hear it running don't assume it isn't. If there is not pressure dissconnect the pump connector at the top of the tank(you can do this with the tank installed) and check for ignition power.
 
The reason I suspect the pump is because it has a loud pump. I normally hear it continue pumping 5 seconds after I have exited the truck. I don't hear the sound anymore. It has a 42 gallon tank so I am glad I didn't fill it up.
 
DO everything you can to shoot the tank strap bolts with PB Blaster BEFORE you try to loosen them. they are threaded into "speed nuts" clipped in the frame, if you break the speed nut clip, it will just spin, at that point, you'll be cutting the straps or the bolts and then trying to find them (dealer only) been there done that, and it sucks greasy balls !

don't just buy the pump, get the whole fuel module, ( this includes fuel level sending unit as well ) they have always been an issue, even in the trucks. it is possible to just get the pump, but you'll be back into it to replace the level sender soon after.

and a trick, the whole module is plastic, including the tubes the fuel lines slip onto, BREAK the tubes off the module when you go to remove, you'll have an easier time with the removal tool and a pair of needle nose plyers getting the remainder out once you can actually SEE what you are doing.

REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER !!! , it's gonna have nastyness pouring out of it when you pull it out, THIS is why your pump was screaming, try blowing thru it, and you'll get the idea how hard that pump was working.
 
So I tryed siphoning the gas and could only get the tube in about 2 feet. Seemed like it stopped at the tank. Is there a screen or anti-siphon type of device or do I need a smaller hose? I was using a 1" garden hose and I am wondering if there is a lip or something that I am hitting.
 
Kevin Lawler said:
So I tryed siphoning the gas and could only get the tube in about 2 feet. Seemed like it stopped at the tank. Is there a screen or anti-siphon type of device or do I need a smaller hose? I was using a 1" garden hose and I am wondering if there is a lip or something that I am hitting.
Click to expand...


Yes, there is. And I don't know of any way around it. You'll need to get it light because you're going to have to twist and turn that little bastard to get it out! I posted a good (in my opinion:flipoff2:) write-up on checking the fuel pump and troubleshooting the wiring without dropping the tank in another thread. I'll dig it up.
 
well

Supposing you do get the fuel pump running, but still want to replace it, why not use the pump itself to empty the tank?
 
If it helps....

Last time I dropped a tank we used 2 floor jacks with a small piece of wood on each. Drop it realllly sloowwwllllyy. On the way back up we secured it with a couple of ratcheting tie downs until it was in place. We couldn't snake them through during removal. It also wasn't a 42 gallon tank........
 
rbo1577186 said:
If it helps....
Last time I dropped a tank we used 2 floor jacks with a small piece of wood on each. Drop it realllly sloowwwllllyy. On the way back up we secured it with a couple of ratcheting tie downs until it was in place. We couldn't snake them through during removal. It also wasn't a 42 gallon tank........
Click to expand...


A motorcycle jack would probably work very well, too.
 
I did some turning and twisting and made it into the tank. Wanted to drain it into my wifes car but couldn't get the physics to work on that one. Needed the burb a foot or two higher.
I've dropped a full jeep TJ tank before so I know what is involved. A motorcycle jack would be nice. I think I can work it out.
 
I'm back on the road again. Don't you love DIY? I suspect I saved at least $200. Sending unit still cost me $300 but at least I didn't have to pay towing and labor charges and I have the satisfaction of knowing that I did it myself.
 
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