Fuel Pump Problem?

[marsh2114]

I have a 1995 Camry LE 4 cyl. Yesterday, I was driving my car and it just died -- wouldn't start again. My nephew worked on it today -- the first thought was that it was the timing belt. Not the problem. Next thought was the fuel pump. Put fuel in the (I know I won't get the wording correct) spark plug holes and it finally started but wouldn't stay running. Checked the fuel filter - fuel is getting through the filter but won't go on into the engine. It has 235,000 miles on it and I know I've never changed the fuel pump but before I buy the parts and have him go to all that trouble, is it logical that this is what the problem is -- or could it be some kind of electrical problem? HELP. Thanks!

[wonger]

disconnect the fuel line just before it goes into the fuel rail.. if u have a fuel pressure test use it.. if not.. put the line into a can and crank the car.. see if u have any fuel .. it should fill it up pretty quick while cranking..

if that works and fuel is coming out pretty good.. next check ur injectors.. with a noid light..

toyotas are not known for replacing fuel pumps after so many miles like most domestics

[marsh2114]

Thank you for your response. I'm having to relay information back to my nephew who is working on the car. He disconnected the fuel line from the filter to the engine and, when started, fuel came out of the filter. Don't have a pressure tester. How do you check injectors with a noid light? Thanks again

[-=]KaiN[=-]

just unplug each injector connector one at a time and plug in the correct noid light to the injector wire. Crank the engine and the light should pulse with the signal from the ecu. Telling you the ecu is telling the injectors to work. Does the check engine light come on when you turn the key on? The efi main relay turns on the ecu, fuel pump and all main components of the efi system. If you don't have a light with key on, or injector pulse, or fuel pump on then I would say you have an electrical problem. I have seen efi relays go bad, but in most cases where the efi main won't come on its usually some other problem. Give me some more feedback please.

[marc780]

Did you fix it by now marsh? If you're still working on it, dont forget the quickest easiest basic check there is, a can of starting fluid from the auto parts - if it runs on the starting fluid then you know it isthe fuel system for sure - and yeah probly dead fuel pump or the second most common thing, fuel filter clogged. You ought to be able to hear the fuel pump whiiring with the key on. that and check for gas at the fuel line like the other fellow said.

[marsh2114]

Thank you for your comments. This will definitely show my ignorance: exactly what is a "noid light"? I'm getting this information and passing it on to the person who is working on my car. He's a great mechanic but this problem has totally and absolutely frustrated him. The car was actually starting last night and would sit there and idle but when it's revved up, it dies. The check engine light never came on before the inital breakdown. It comes on when you turn the key, as does all the other items, but does not come on when it's started.

[-=]KaiN[=-]

If it will run, but not under a load you need to check fuel pressure. You could have enough to idle but under load it starves the engine out and dies. Whats your fuel pressure?

[marsh2114]

That's the BIG question that we're not able to find out. We don't have a fuel pressure gauge. We aren't able to find someone that has a gauge. But - assuming that the fuel pressure is not what it's supposed to be, then what has to be done?

[-=]KaiN[=-]

u need to know so your not chasing the wrong problem. You can buy a pressure gauge at any parts store for about 30 bucks. One of the most used tools in my box.

[marsh2114]

Thank you!! I didn't realize they were that inexpensive.

[marc780]

So marsh if you got it fixed - what was the real problem and the fix?