Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

[timthescarred]

Hi all, So about two weeks ago the fuel pump in my 2000 Camaro 3.8 died. I ordered and installed the Racetronix f99 (I didn't get the hotwire kit). Anyway, before on the stock pump, the car would pretty much turn over 1-2 seconds after turning the key. With the new Racetronix, if the car has been sitting for more than an hour or so, It cranks for 3-5 seconds before it starts. If I turn the key on, let it prime, then start, it will crank over faster (similar to stock but still takes a little longer 2-3 seconds).

I understand the new Racetronix draws more power, so the hotwire would be a good idea, but I expected at least stock performance out of the new pump. Is there maybe something I am missing?

I have not tested the Fuel Pressure yet, but it seems to drive like it did before. Just seems as if the system is either not priming as fast, or its bleeding out pressure too much.

Car is stock except for a whisper lid and now the Racetronix pump

[Docta]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

Did you change the filter? Usually when a pump dies, it fills the filter with a bunch of gunk...

[EarlR]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

Sounds like the pump or FPR are bleeding off pressure as the car sits. I have one of the Racetronix pumps in my '02 (can't remember which one, but it is one of the LS1 pumps), and it starts right up even after sitting for a couple of weeks (it is no longer my DD). But then, my track car (240SX) that has a Mallory inline pump and Nismo adjustable FPR will bleed off pressure after only a few minutes...but not always. Go figure. I don't think it's a big deal, just an annoyance.

[Hib Halverson]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

Run the fuel pressure tests in the FSM.

Post the results.

[vanbibber]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

the hotwire kit makes no difference with starting the car. it supplies more power to the pump under throttle vs the stock wiring. sounds like its not building enough pressure to me though. i just put one in the trans am and it cranks up instantly. i wouldnt suggest the hot wire kit unless youre racing anyways, its a pain in the *** to wire ( i have one, but im building a street strip car) IMO. then again i hate wiring. lol

[timthescarred]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

OK, so just did a pressure test,

key on it jumps to 45 psi then starts immediately bleeding off,
engine idling it hold pretty steady around 45 psi
engine revving causes the needle to bonce but seems to stay within about +/-5 psi of 45

after turning key off, it bleeds down to 0 psi in about two and a half minutes.

So how do I determine where its bleeding off from? since it just started I'm imagining it's got to do with the new pump.

[Rob Bell]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

Supposedly if you pull the vacuum line to the FPR, if you find fuel in the line, then the FPR is bad. If not, then it's probably the pump. But just to make sure, I could see replacing the FPR with a known good one before messing with the pump.

Unless the hose on the fuel pump is a little loose or otherwise leaking.

[timthescarred]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

I replaced the FPR about 5 yrs ago, it had gone bad (fuel in vacuum line) at that time it cause hard starting when engine was hot and misfire on the 2nd bank. I'll check the vacuum line again

[timthescarred]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

Ok, so now fuel in the vacuum line from the FPR to the MAP, and since it seems to run ok, I think the FPR is fine. So why would the new pump cause the system to bleed off fuel pressure like that? problem with the pump? something I did wrong?

[Rob Bell]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

For starters, I don't think there should ever be fuel in a vacuum line, so that may be an issue. Also, sometimes that hose/line that the pump connects to inside the tank does not get put on tight enough and leaks while the pump is running. Of course once the pump stops, that leak allows for an immediate bleed-off.

So did you ever find out what the problem is?

[timthescarred]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

Ok, so now fuel in the vacuum line

TYPO that was supposed to say NO fuel.

So to update, I changed the fuel filter (gas out of filter was a light brown color), removed/reinstalled the vaccum line between the FPR and the MAP, and verified the schrader valve on the fuel rail wasn't sticking. Now for the last 3 days, the car has been starting right up like it did before.

So one of those three must of been the issue.

I don't believe it was the schrader valve, I'm guessing that the vacuum line was loose enough for the FPR to allow bleed back

[Rob Bell]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

Glad it's fixed, good work.

[timthescarred]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

...And after posting that, it's now having trouble again.

So I guess I need to look at the connections to the fuel pump?

[thebeewantsboost]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

sounds like the check valve in the pump is bad to me. it definitely shouldn't bleed pressure down right away. that would be my guess. racetronix sells good parts but there's always a possibility to get something bad. only other thing i think of is. do you have a CEL on? i doubt it but it could be something with the evap system.

[timthescarred]

Re: Long crank after adding Racetronix pump

No CEL, however, took her in for an oil change today,

Tested battery, needs recharged (12.87v 612CCA on 700CCA battery @ 82 degrees)

Drove around alittle, took it in to different place, alternator is fine, battery tests bad

Went back to walmart where I bought the battery in november

Tested, battery if fine (12.9v 615cca @ 87 degrees)

I think my battery might be the issue...