Hoping someone can help. I am posting this for my buddy. Long story short:

Ran out of gas. My buddy had heard that this can lead to fuel pump problems. The car sat for a long time, not wanting to drop the fuel tank to get to the fuel pump.
Today, we put on a new battery. The fuel tank had since been filled 1/4 full.
Hooked up the new battery and the car started!... it idled fine for a good 5 minutes. We shut it off to see if it would re-start. No. Won't restart.
Starter is fine, it cranks and cranks. Just won't start.
I do hear a high-pitched motor run when I turn the key... is that the fuel pump or primer mechanism?? Anyone with suggestions on what I need to check do next?

 

you can get to the pump from the top on the tank ,buy cutting a hole ,both my cars have covers now try adding some gas the guage may be off or the float stuck ,put a few gallons of 93 in there or 91,my 95 runs out at quarter tank ,an has in the 9 years I had it ,start there

 

We've seen videos of people cutting a hatch for access to the fuel pump. (My '02 Cadillac has a hatch built in...seems GM figured that out finally.) But as this is an SS, we'd prefer to keep the body intact, in original condition, if possible. We're OK with having the tank dropped, but first we just really want to be sure that's the actual problem.

 

yep sounds like the pump is toast. test fuel pressure. you can rent or borrow a pressure tester at your local parts store. brb

 

#1 you need to put gas in it to see if its the guage well you will see that if you put the hatch in an do it right ,it saves a lot of work ,an know one knows its there ,ss or not the hatch done right looks fine after ,for any other times one needs to get to the pump then the tank does not need to be dropped ,its not going to affect anything at all ,but yes if its not the pump then you don't need to do it ,but one day if it goes everyone does it ,unless they got metal tank an you do so the siting could be a bunch of crap in it ,I would get plastic tank if it turns out you got rust in the tank or both the pump an tank ,? you did not mention putting gas in it or not ,if your hearing the pump running then its working likely,an for the hole that you cover up nice an neat with screws an sheet metal most people see as a convience not a problem

 

look at 2 and 9 here https://camaroforums.com/forum/93-02...62/#post557634

look at 33 and 34 here 4th Gen LT1 F-Body Tech Aids

also change fuel filter 5 at shobox

 

Of course we've put gas in it. More than enough.
Thank you again for the words about the hatch. Let me be clear-- we are NOT going to do that. We will drop the tank if we have to. We have access to lifts and people who can do that. All we are looking for right now is some pretty good re-assurance that the pump is indeed the problem, and not something like the pressure regulator or injector system.

 

Craby THANK YOU!
Fuel pressure test seems like the next logical step.
And I will review the threads you linked later.
We had same thought on fuel filter. Bought one today. That should be easy and ought to be done anyway.
Thanks again!

 

you said you could hear the pump running so yes when you test the system then you will know if you drop the tank mights well put a plastic one in it ,much better ? how long did the car sit ,just seems weird to be anything but the pump.could check your relays too