Hi folks. I'm hoping for a little insight into a problem that I'm having with my 1992 Dakota. The truck's on borrowed time but I've got some sentimental attachment to the old girl and I've been babying it for years.

Anyway here's the deal. I recently had a faulty pump replaced. The truck ran fine for a few weeks and then suddenly quit (behaved as if it just ran out of gas). I've removed the box to assess the situation. The pump is getting power and makes sound when I turn the engine over but is not pumping fuel. The gas gauge reads 1/4 tank and I've added more gas (~10 litres). Should I remove the pump to inspect the pump inlet? What else could be going on? Thanks. Serge

 

have you checked all of the electrical connections? Where the fuel lines reattached correctly? There are two, the send and the return, if they were swapped accidentally I would imagine that would cause a problem.

As far as reading 1/4 tank, I know my gauge isn't to precise, depending on the incline, how long I've been driving, and apparently what side of town i'm on it usually fluctuates between an 1/8th to a 1/4 tank. not only that, but 10l probably isn't enough to make a difference in the guage reading (assuming its the 22gal/83?l tank)

as far as the inlet, there should be some sort of filter over that to begin with, i suppose that could get clogged, but I don't think that happens often. Be sure also to check the fuel filter (probably just change it, should have been done with the pump, if not theyre like $13 ish here in the US)

btw just curious, where are you? I'm used to SI/Metric in physics and chem only

 

Thanks for the help! Yup, already replaced the filter. And I removed what I thought was the send hose, cranked the engine over to see if gas would spew out or something. Nothing. But the pump does sound like it should be working. I'll double check the electrical connections but I assumed that if the pump was engaging then I must be okay on that front. But hey, I'm not a mechanic Maybe it's just another bad pump? I'll keep tinkering...

Oh yeah...Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada - that's where I'm at.

 

Pump is probably the least likely problem. Check all the posts on here and get some good ideas as to what it could be, then start with the cheapest and work your way down the list.

 

Thanks for the input. I can understand the apprehension with "here today, gone tomorrow" forum users though. Truth is I've been reading a lot of stuff - here and elsewhere. Everything I've read points to a faulty pump. But hey I'm no mechanic. Since the pump is getting power but is not pumping at the pump, I can only conclude that the pump is screwed or at least something in there is disconnected. No? I'll find out. If anything I'm persistent. When I figure it out, I'll be sure to post what the problem was for the benefit of anyone with a similar issue. Later!

Thanks again,
Serge

 

How recently was the pump replaced? It has a warranty for at least a year if you have the receipt.

 

if i had to guess i would say the small metal tube in the pump assembly. i never had one apart but i would guess it works like a simple grease nipple. fluid goes in but does not come back out. i've had bad grease nipples that that allowed all the grease back out after i filled it. if your pump does the same thing you have no fuel pressure and the gas goes back in the tank and not through the fuel system. it's like electricity, it takes the shortest route. i don't think it's the fuel pressure regulator because when you disconnected the line fuel would run out. my experience is with my 89 duel point injection, not the 92 multi-point. the pumps might be different, but if might be worth a look. good luck.

you guy's must be tired if all the rain!

fwtc from nova scotia

 

I'm up and running again. Embarrassed as hell to say that she was out of gas Well, I guess it wasn't quite that simple. I took out the pump and I'd say that the 10L that I put in the tank a few days ago was all that was in there. So much for the "more than a 1/4 tank", which was what the gauge was reading. As soon as I put the pump back in and turned over the ignition the gas warning light came on. Am I to assume that the float was jammed up on something from when the mechanic installed the new pump? Or maybe it wasn't seated correctly and not able to get at my 1/8th of a tank? Seems to me that it should have pumped gas with an 1/8th of a tank. Regardless, I dumped in more gas and now everything seems to be in running order again.

Yeah, the rain. The only relief we'll get will be SNOW!!! Bring it on though - I'm one of the weird ones who loves it.

Thanks,
Serge

 

your not the only one serge, can't wait for the snow and 4x4.

 

ah, just about that time of year again...

i usually like snow regardless... but i especially look forward to it now with the prospect of being able to play with mah dak in the snow.

lucky for me, farmers almanac calls for a long cold, and wet winter (again) for us here in Wisconsin