have a 94 z28 and did the stupid thing by running out of gas. After putting a few gallons in my car wont start. It sounds like its starving for gas. Is there any tricks or anything I can try to get it going?

 

bummer. fuel pump could be toast. also fuel filter could be plugged. could try a little starting fluid or gas in the intake and see if it just needs some help getting going. a fuel pump thats getting ready to go, can if it gets hot. pump will get warmer when fuel level gets below the pump and tired pump can fail, cold fuel keeps pump cool.

 

Turn ign key from OFF to IGN several times as this process will prime the fuel system.
Fuel pump comes on for 2-3 seconds by design pressurizing the system before starting.
WD40 works also in place of starting fluid as starting fluid dries out components, or used to, recipe may have changed over time.

 

Just a FYI, running out of gas is a known cause for killing the pump, even running low of fuel is very bad for them. The pump need the fuel running through them to cool them. When fuel is low and you go around a corners the pump can run dry for 3-5 seconds is enough to kill an older pump.

I have seen dozens of work orders. "Ran out of gas, now won't start" I can not remember any that did not end up with a pump and filter change. Still worth it to check it out to be sure,,, Search hatch, for the hatch method for replacing the pump once you are sure that is what it is.

 

Thanks for the info and I will be sure to be more careful in the future. In the meantime I have another situation. I took my car to a local shop that was recommended to me by a neighbor as I recently moved to Florida and do not have a mechanic. They seemed to do an ok job in replacing the fuel pump etc but now my gas gauge doesn't work. When I called to find out what needs to be done they advised me that the ethanol in todays fuel eats away at the sending unit thereby making it inusable. They also said replacement parts are not readily available. I'm thinking they didn't reassemble things right.

Sounds kind of fishy to me. Can you help on this one too?

 

sounds like a line of bs to me. sending units are made of material that does not break down because of fuel. water maybe. i have had the cap rust apart on a fuel tank, 97 truck, and the sender still worked... if he is telling truth then why the heck didnt he say something when you picked it up or call you and ask about extra cost to replace sending unit.

 

far as not available, more bs, here is a sending unit with pump https://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...ad=47433966132

 

heres a sending unit 1993 CHEVROLET CAMARO 5.7L V8 Fuel Sending Unit | RockAuto

 

Thanks for all the info. So when the fuel pump was replaced what do you think happened? Are there internal electrical connections inside the fuel tank which they may have forgotten to do ?

 

anything could have happened, could have been damaged when taking apart or putting together, wire could be bad, connection could be bad, yes it could have been worn and that could have played a part in why its not working. also could be installed wrong and is jammed and wont move.