MR2 not getting fuel

Zombietk1965 · 03-19-2009, 07:12 PM

This is my first MR2 I've owned. I have a 1986 MR2 I got from someone at work for free that was sitting in his drive way for a few years not running. I have replaced the alternanor (was missing when I got the car), battery, spark plugs and wires. when i go to start it the car cranks but nothing happens. when i spray starter fluid in the intake the car starts and runs for about 20 seconds or so before shutting off (I believe due to burning off all the starter fluid). I have replaced the fuel filter but that didn't help. My brother is kind of a mechanic and he says i can get to the fuel pump without dropping the tank by reaching through the hole where the sending unit is inside the car.

Can you change the fuel pump this way without dropping the tank? (that would be awesome but I doubt it)

Is there anything else i can check before going after the fuel pump?

Redfox · 03-19-2009, 08:58 PM

Here a link that will help you a little fuel pump problems seems as though you do have to remove fuel tank to gain access to the fuel pump.if you don't mined add pic's of your car if you can.

Timon · 03-19-2009, 11:44 PM

I know where the hole is, but I'm doubtful you could pull the pump through it without making it larger. Remove the center console, its in front of the stereo deck.

masagsxr · 03-20-2009, 02:08 AM

Welcome aboard!!!

..... i don't have an 86 mr2 but from past experiences with cars i've had even with friends, there has always been room to get into the fuel pump. I'm sure you don't have to drop the whole tank coz that'll be a biatch....

Good luck man..

muffinman · 03-20-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masagsxr

i don't have an 86 mr2 but from past experiences with cars i've had even with friends, there has always been room to get into the fuel pump. I'm sure you don't have to drop the whole tank coz that'll be a biatch....

NO WAY! I'm still waiting for someone to prove me wrong

the hole for the fuel pump is further back and even if you cut the metal out under the center console you still can't get the top off because there are metal lines that run all the way back to the rear of the fuel tank.

Kerry Phillips · 03-20-2009, 09:08 AM

Okay, I been there and done that, and learned what to do and NOT do.

Step1, verify the fuel pump is not working. THis can be done somewhat just by listening for the pump to run, but check fuel pressure at the fuel rail.

Step2 If the pump is not working, it might not be the pump, but an electrical problem. Remove the trim-gaining access to the pump assembly's wires, there is a TWO prong connector that supplies power, the other wires are for the float and the low fuel switch. Verify 12volt DC at this plug. OPTION: install a simple switch while there and use this as a theft deterrent device! If no voltage- you have an electrical issue. U can properly fix, or simply run the pump off a key-on 12 volt source.

If U have voltage and the pump is not running, U need a new pump! DUH
Two long shots which might solve problem.....
Temporarily Reverse the polarity-causing the pump's motor to run backwards, this might "unfreeze" the motor. 2nd Longshot, give pump a shot of 24 volts! The added voltage might cause motor to unfreeze-be sure the 24 volts ONLY goes to pump and not car's electical system.

Chances are U will be replacing the pump. My 1987 sat for awhile, 2-3 years?

Replacing the pump is not really difficult but time consuming, have to remove a lot of stuff in the way. My BIGGEST MISTAKE: I took off a hose at the wrong end. The Haynes manual clearly stated to remove the (Main?) hose off the (tank?) and not the (Car?). This slight flaw made the tank very difficult to remove and IMPOSSIBLE to re-install. Haynes manual, pg 112 section 5:9 take hose off the TANK!!!

Safety: Be sure vehicle is PROPERLY raised and supported, U will be spending a lot of time under car. Years ago, I had my car somewhat-almost- properly supported, about 15 minutes after I got out from underneath the car-it slid off one of the jackstands!!!!!!!!!
Best wishes
Kerry

MR2 Drifter · 03-20-2009, 09:40 AM

IF its been sitting there for a few years did you change the gas? (remove old gas and put new gas in?)

Because over time gas gels up and it will cause the kind of problem you seem to be experiencing

masagsxr · 03-20-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muffinman

NO WAY! I'm still waiting for someone to prove me wrong

the hole for the fuel pump is further back and even if you cut the metal out under the center console you still can't get the top off because there are metal lines that run all the way back to the rear of the fuel tank.

ic... wow.. well, its an old design afterall. I guess all the cars i've worked on are year 1990+ and have always had room there. My bro has an AE86 and that was totally easy. Yeah I know, different car and has way so much room.

Papo J · 03-20-2009, 11:59 AM

Place a jumper wire between terminal FP and B+ on the diagnostic connector (on firewall behind AFM piping) and turn the key to on, you should hear the pump and have pressure at the rail. If that works then the pump works, remove the jumper and look at the AFM and make sure the cable/connector is there and secured, if it is, open the filter housing and with the key on turn the AFM flapper door by hand, this will test the normally associated relays and pump activation swith inside the AFM. If all of that works out but you still don't have fuel while cranking the engine then make sure you don't have a busted timing belt, the fuel and ignition signals come from the distributor to the igniter and then to the ECU. Hope that helps and good luck.

willy swafford · 03-22-2009, 10:30 PM

unfortunatlly,you gotta drop da tank,i just did mine 3 days ago.its hard,but its not the most stenuos thing ive ever done.its pretty straight forward.filler line is kind of a pain,and the evap hoses suck but other than that,not to hard.be sure to syphon the gas.and if you do it,be sure to get new evap hoses that are bout 3 inches longer,trust me in the long run itll help greatly

Zombietk1965 · 03-23-2009, 12:10 AM

Alright I was able to do some of the tests mentioned before and nothing worked so I am going to buy a new fuel pump and drop the tank. It might take a while to get it done due to money and time issues but I’ll let you all know how it goes when I’m done and what the new problem is I found

.

Thank you everyone for your help.

Papo J · 03-23-2009, 07:14 AM

If you're buying a new pump check the Denso website, thay have OEM replacement pumps (they make the OEM pump for Toyota) for about $120 shipped.

03-19-2009, 07:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Zombietk1965 No Skills Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	MR2 not getting fuel This is my first MR2 I've owned. I have a 1986 MR2 I got from someone at work for free that was sitting in his drive way for a few years not running. I have replaced the alternanor (was missing when I got the car), battery, spark plugs and wires. when i go to start it the car cranks but nothing happens. when i spray starter fluid in the intake the car starts and runs for about 20 seconds or so before shutting off (I believe due to burning off all the starter fluid). I have replaced the fuel filter but that didn't help. My brother is kind of a mechanic and he says i can get to the fuel pump without dropping the tank by reaching through the hole where the sending unit is inside the car. Can you change the fuel pump this way without dropping the tank? (that would be awesome but I doubt it) Is there anything else i can check before going after the fuel pump?

03-19-2009, 08:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
Redfox Cage Fighter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bakersfield CA Posts: 220 Thanks: 5 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Here a link that will help you a little fuel pump problems seems as though you do have to remove fuel tank to gain access to the fuel pump.if you don't mined add pic's of your car if you can. Last edited by Redfox; 03-19-2009 at 09:15 PM..

03-20-2009, 09:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
Kerry Phillips Cage Fighter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chattanooga, TN area Posts: 102 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Fuel PUmp Problems/solution Okay, I been there and done that, and learned what to do and NOT do. Step1, verify the fuel pump is not working. THis can be done somewhat just by listening for the pump to run, but check fuel pressure at the fuel rail. Step2 If the pump is not working, it might not be the pump, but an electrical problem. Remove the trim-gaining access to the pump assembly's wires, there is a TWO prong connector that supplies power, the other wires are for the float and the low fuel switch. Verify 12volt DC at this plug. OPTION: install a simple switch while there and use this as a theft deterrent device! If no voltage- you have an electrical issue. U can properly fix, or simply run the pump off a key-on 12 volt source. If U have voltage and the pump is not running, U need a new pump! DUH Two long shots which might solve problem..... Temporarily Reverse the polarity-causing the pump's motor to run backwards, this might "unfreeze" the motor. 2nd Longshot, give pump a shot of 24 volts! The added voltage might cause motor to unfreeze-be sure the 24 volts ONLY goes to pump and not car's electical system. Chances are U will be replacing the pump. My 1987 sat for awhile, 2-3 years? Replacing the pump is not really difficult but time consuming, have to remove a lot of stuff in the way. My BIGGEST MISTAKE: I took off a hose at the wrong end. The Haynes manual clearly stated to remove the (Main?) hose off the (tank?) and not the (Car?). This slight flaw made the tank very difficult to remove and IMPOSSIBLE to re-install. Haynes manual, pg 112 section 5:9 take hose off the TANK!!! Safety: Be sure vehicle is PROPERLY raised and supported, U will be spending a lot of time under car. Years ago, I had my car somewhat-almost- properly supported, about 15 minutes after I got out from underneath the car-it slid off one of the jackstands!!!!!!!!! Best wishes Kerry

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-19-2009, 11:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
Timon MR2 MKI AW11 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 40 Times in 36 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I know where the hole is, but I'm doubtful you could pull the pump through it without making it larger. Remove the center console, its in front of the stereo deck.

03-20-2009, 02:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
masagsxr Cage Fighter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Norwalk, CA Posts: 3,402 Thanks: 1 Thanked 81 Times in 81 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Welcome aboard!!! ..... i don't have an 86 mr2 but from past experiences with cars i've had even with friends, there has always been room to get into the fuel pump. I'm sure you don't have to drop the whole tank coz that'll be a biatch.... Good luck man..

03-20-2009, 09:40 AM	#7 (permalink)
MR2 Drifter No Drifting Skills Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 956 Thanks: 3 Thanked 17 Times in 17 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	IF its been sitting there for a few years did you change the gas? (remove old gas and put new gas in?) Because over time gas gels up and it will cause the kind of problem you seem to be experiencing

03-20-2009, 11:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
Papo J 6SPD GTE Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 238 Thanks: 1 Thanked 23 Times in 22 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Place a jumper wire between terminal FP and B+ on the diagnostic connector (on firewall behind AFM piping) and turn the key to on, you should hear the pump and have pressure at the rail. If that works then the pump works, remove the jumper and look at the AFM and make sure the cable/connector is there and secured, if it is, open the filter housing and with the key on turn the AFM flapper door by hand, this will test the normally associated relays and pump activation swith inside the AFM. If all of that works out but you still don't have fuel while cranking the engine then make sure you don't have a busted timing belt, the fuel and ignition signals come from the distributor to the igniter and then to the ECU. Hope that helps and good luck.

03-22-2009, 10:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
willy swafford No Skills Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: chattanooga/tn Posts: 12 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	unfortunatlly,you gotta drop da tank,i just did mine 3 days ago.its hard,but its not the most stenuos thing ive ever done.its pretty straight forward.filler line is kind of a pain,and the evap hoses suck but other than that,not to hard.be sure to syphon the gas.and if you do it,be sure to get new evap hoses that are bout 3 inches longer,trust me in the long run itll help greatly

03-23-2009, 12:10 AM	#11 (permalink)
Zombietk1965 No Skills Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Alright I was able to do some of the tests mentioned before and nothing worked so I am going to buy a new fuel pump and drop the tank. It might take a while to get it done due to money and time issues but I’ll let you all know how it goes when I’m done and what the new problem is I found . Thank you everyone for your help.

03-23-2009, 07:14 AM	#12 (permalink)
Papo J 6SPD GTE Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 238 Thanks: 1 Thanked 23 Times in 22 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	If you're buying a new pump check the Denso website, thay have OEM replacement pumps (they make the OEM pump for Toyota) for about $120 shipped.