Repeated Fuel Pump Failures - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

tmaki · 08-11-2010, 12:55 PM

1997 Geo Prizm, 135,000 miles. Great running car until now.

Problem is repeated fuel pump failures. Replaced three times in as many days.

Relays/fuses okay.

Any suggestions as to why three fuel pumps would go TU after the first time starting engine after replacement? Next attempt to start engine - no fuel pump "buzz", no start.

Any help appreciated.

T. Maki
Riverside, CA

Bitter · 08-11-2010, 06:45 PM

getting proper voltage/amperage? clogged fuel filter? gunk in the tank?

Rip The E Brake · 08-11-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitter

getting proper voltage/amperage? clogged fuel filter? gunk in the tank?

Tank is more than likely rusted through and dirty. Start by draining the tank fully and cleaning it.

tmaki · 08-11-2010, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bitter

getting proper voltage/amperage? clogged fuel filter? gunk in the tank?

Yes/yes, no, no.

All voltages at all test points are correct. Interior of tank is pristine. This is a California car, well taken care of. Since I can see into the tank when removing the pump/sending unit, I know there is nothing but clean gas in there.

What is weird is that the car starts instantly after the pump is replaced. Pump hums along just like it should. A couple of days later when I go to move the car, no pump, no start. Check pump with external 12v battery, pump is no good. This is the third time.

My next call, if I can't fix this, is going to be the Pick-A-Part to haul the car away.

Thanks!

tmaki

tmaki · 08-11-2010, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rip The E Brake

Tank is more than likely rusted through and dirty. Start by draining the tank fully and cleaning it.

Nope. Tank is as pretty inside as the day it came out of the factory. California car, no rust, no crud.

Bitter · 08-11-2010, 09:36 PM

getting cheap-shit pumps? I had a crappy one that sounded like a blender full of marbles from day one.

speedy25 · 08-11-2010, 11:08 PM

Have you confirmed if its a pump problem or a electrical problem?

Hardwire the pump and see if it runs.

Yes there are quality issues with MANY parts these days.

-SP

Rip The E Brake · 08-12-2010, 07:36 AM

Get a Walbro 225. End of discussion. LOL.

m_wnzl · 10-08-2010, 01:35 PM

its a little bit outside the box, but a fuel pressure regulator that is stuck keeping the fuel pressure too high can burn the pump up also