bad fuel pump symptoms

[Brentm]

what are the symptoms of a bad or dieing fuel pump, and how can you check if it is even working right?

[88Accord-DX]

I doubt you have a fuel pump pressure guage. The pressure for a carb. injected engine should be about 4-6 psi. Injector engines should be about 15-40 psi. Isolate the the fuel pressure regulator by pinching the fuel hose going to the fuel return line or taking the regulator out of the system.

If you want to do a fuel volume test. Put the output line from the fuel pump into a graduated container. With the engine idling at a set speed, allow the pump to pour into the container for 30 seconds. It should be about one pint (.47 liters). Refer to factory service manual for specs. (which I don't have at this moment)

*edit* if you want to do a quick self test, pull the fuel line off the carb, or injectors and put you finger over the hose. That will give you some idea of what kind of pressure you got. Use some shop rags when doing that, don't need a fire hazard!!

[shepherd79]

the pressure for carb is 3.7psi and for EFI it is 37-39 psi.

[smufguy]

here is all the info you need.

Fuel pressure: 33-39psi (efi), 2.6-3.3psi (carb)
Fuel pump displacement: 230cc/min (in 10 sec)
Relief valve opening pressure: 64 – 85 psi
Fuel Pressure Regulator: 33-39psi
Fuel tank capacity: 15.9 Gal
Fast Idle: 1000 – 1800 rpm (efi); 2000 – 3000 rpm (carb)
Idle (Normal): 750 – 800 rpm

Usually a pump does not go out. But do check the filters and injectors before changing the pump.