Well I THOUGHT it was my fuel pump...

We may earn a small commission from affiliate links and paid advertisements. Terms

S

StealthMode

Kung Foolin'
I've been looking at all angles, and I'm stumped. I drive a 1990 Integra GS.
Here's the story: I filled up my car about 3/4 full of gasoline. I was driving down the highway at lunch and it started sputtering, choking, backfiring and then died. I got it going by popping the clutch, but it died again. There was a check engine light, but I accidentally shut off my car, so I didn't get a chance to pull the code. A mechanic guy helped me push the car off the highway with his van, to a nearby parking lot. He said from what I described it could be either the timing belt or the fuel pump, and he did some quick tests with the fuel lines and told me he was 100% sure it was the fuel pump that went out. Fast forward: I changed the fuel pump, and the car still won't start. I took off the valve cover, timing belt is in tact. (I had had my car looked at recently for a tune-up, and the timing belt was strong.) I am lost! Has anyone encountered this before? With the new fuel pump in, when I try to start the car, it's trying to start up, plenty of spark, but I hear a couple backfire-type sounds and it just won't start up.

HELP PLEASE! I need this thing running again!
 
hmmm that could very well be.... I'm going to go look at it. Is there a way to tell if it's shot? My car DOES have some wiring issues here and there because the previous owner installed a radar detector very poorly, and it caused a short a while after I bought it. The wires melted and started smoking while I was driving (this was like 2 years ago). I've never smelled something so toxic before.
 
would the main relay cause the car not to start though? I just went and tried to start it again (haven't pulled the knee panel or anything yet). It wants to start, when I turn the key it turning over strong, but then backs off just a little kind of with a "ra-ra-ra-ra" sound. Meanwhile, I'm still getting a couple backfires (not loud, and kind of like "puh" noise).
 
Listen for the main relay ( I believe yours is where mine is) near the hood latch under the dash. It should have a series of clicks you hear when you put the key to the 'on' position. Put your seat belt on so there is no other noises. If you dont get a few clicks...it is probably your main relay.

Try a new/used one they're cheap. Matsuba or something like that....I think

Mine wa acting up but it wouldn't re-start after it was warm
 
i wonder why i post links to places with information that no one reads.

yes, the main relay will keep your car from starting AND it will cause your car to randomly stall out while driving. It usually happens on hotter days, but can happen any time.
 
I obviously meant that what I quoted is the norm for people who ask questions at honda swap...
that nobody reads the relevant info
 
dude i have one of these cars too. and i'm not sure if anyone told you on here already, but check the fuel pump relay under the dash. it should be mounted on a clip attatched to the steering column. after that, check for water in the fuel. i know its dumb but sometimes water gets into the tanks at the gas stations. even worse, sometimes diesel fuel is put into regular gas tanks at the gas stations. i worked as a honda tech and this would happen from time to time. the water in their tanks at the gas stations usually follows a rainy day. let me know if you still need help
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top