1980 somthing Camry fires but will not run

[JAYRELAY]

Hi,
I have a 1985 maybe 87 maybe 84 not really sure , I know its a camry with a 16v 2000 engine. It did this once before when very low on gas. i put some gas in it and it started right up. this time it was very low on gas sat overnight ...i started it pulled out of my parking spot and it stalled I tried starting again it would fire a few times but not run...I put about 4 gallons of gas in it and it fired more but will not run!! checked the distributor contacts , seem fine...
I dont know what to do, not sure what it coould be... it has backfired a coupled times when it has fired but will not run...please help

[marc780]

Sounds like the fuel pump may have gotten burned up and is now broken. Toyota says running the engine out of fuel can destroy the fuel pump. Because it depends on the fuel for cooling among other things.
To find out if your fuel pump's bad, disconnect the fuel hose at the fuel filter, and place a large coffee can or some other container under the hose to catch any fuel that may come out. Then have someone crank the engine for about 10 seconds. If no fuel comes out, the fuel pump may need replacing. It is under the rear seat i think

[Mike Gerber]

If you have a 16 valve 2000 engine you have an 87 Camry. It's the 3SFE engine. The 83-86 Camrys used an 8 valve 2000 engine. That is the 2SE engine.

I agree with Marc on the big problem. Your fuel pump may have gone out, especially if you are in the habit of running the car so low on fuel. Like Marc said, the gasoline in the tank actually keeps the pump cool. Personally, I never let my cars run lower than 1/4 tank just for that reason.

If it turns out to be the pump, remove the back seat. There is an access plate under there that is held on by 4 screws that allows you to reach the pump. Then it's a couple of electrical connectors you have to undo and then rotate the locking ring to get the pump free. Most people just use a screwdriver and a hammer to rotate the locking ring. Then pull out the pump assembly. Replacing a fuel pump not a hard DIY job. You will need to know which engine you have to purchase the correct pump. That's why I earlier gave you the information on which years use which engine.

Mike