Got stranded last night. Car wouldnt turn over after numerous attempts. This happened once before about a week or 2 ago. Started after about 2 minutes of trying and worked fine since.

This time it wouldnt start at all. Had it towed, and the tow driver said it sounds like the fuel pump. I'll check the fuse tonight.

Any other suggestions? Thanks

 

Tow truck drivers drive tow trucks....seldom do they know much about cars or else they'd be turning wrenches. There are several things to check before you throw money and parts at it. The most common fail point is the fuel pump relay. You can temporarily jumper the 2 fuel pump fuses to bypass it; if it starts you have found your culprit. I forget the two fuses...someone will chime in I'm sure. If not just Google. When you turn the key to the run position, the fuel pumps should be heard to run for a few seconds. The one under car can be heard by leaving the door open and leaning over. To check the intank pump, you may need an assistant to turn the key on while you have the gas cap off and ear to the filler neck. If you hear the pumps cycle, but the engine will not start, I'd say ignition may be more of an issue. But, check the relay first.

 

240's are known for electrical gremlins because of their fuses. I took a wire brush to the fuse ends and the contacts. In about 10 minutes you can clean them up well enough to eliminate them as a problem.

 

Jumped fuses 4 and 6. Pump started working... Car started right up. Will order relay tonight. Thanks!!

 

strange, the FP relay died on my '88 on Saturday.....

 

Fixed! $29 fuel pump relay. Pretty easy install. 10min in all. Im sure I saved over $100 fixing it myself.

Started up right away after plugging the new one in!

I love it when a plan comes together.

 

Gotta love it!! These cars are great...as long as you can do the troubleshooting yourself. Letting a kid at a shop spend half a day to attempt diagnosis will eat your bank account up!!