My daughter (proud owner of a 1986 DL) called and described the following problem. The car will start, run for 3-4 seconds, then die. Before I diagnose over the phone with her, I need some advice. I suspect a fuel pump, but which one? Can anyone help? Many thanks in advance.

 

I am by no means a expert around here or even close but i have had some "fuel pump" problems lately.

I would check the fuel pump relay or fuses. Might be injector related or the pumps. I dont think the car would start at all if the external pump was out. Heck the other day i forgot to plug my in tank pump in and drove around for 10 minutes pretty solid, so that just goes to show you. do the 86's have a AMM? I know i dont but maybe that might be worth a look. Has the fuel filter been changed recently? She might also have a vacuum leak, im just guessing here.

 

Thanks qstyle.
I do not know what an AMM is. My daughter lives out of state so I will travel there this week. Just trying to get my "ducks in a row" before I get there. I will get a fuel filter for sure, but the pumps take longer to get so I wanted to get an idea before hand. I appreciate the input.

 

A AMM is a Air Mass Meter im not sure if the 86's have them but ive read on here that it has been the culprit for many cars that are running rough or wont stay running. Good luck with the 86 DL.

Matt

 

I suspect the fuel pump relay. If it's original it should be changed anyway. It's mounted on the interior firewall right above the passenger's toes, white, 1"x2". To bypass the relay you can connect a jumper wire to the left side of fuses #4 and #6. The pumps should run that way.

 

Could also be the FPR. If you remove the vacuum line from the FPR and smell gas, it will need to be replaced.

 

Many thanks for all the ideas. I am getting the simpler parts together. It really is a great car (only 142000 miles) and we want to keep it going as long as possible. And it is a very safe car, which helps keep my "peace of mind" as a Dad.