Did my Fuel Pump just take a dump on my Chest?
 

I started her up this morning to head to work. Started right up. I get off work, go to start it, and it just cranks and doesn't turn over. Lucky for me my mechanic is half of a block away from where i work so one of the mechanics came over to take a look and he ended up punching my gas tank from underneath. As he was punching the gas tank, he had me crank the car. It started. He told me that my fuel pump is going. He said something about his punches jolting the fuel pump or shaking it enough to get the pump working.

I couldn't hear the fuel pump click when i turned the ignition the the "ON" position. Nobody else could hear it either.

I got home, parked it. Turned the car off. Then i went to start it and it started back up. I did this several times and now the car is running.

Is my pump bad? Should i get a new fuel pump installed?

Sure sounds like a failing fuel pump to me.

Thats how my last one died. It would leave me stranded from time to time and then it became more frequent. Time for a pump.

Yeah bc the damn thing is starting up. I just went outside to see if it would turn over and it did right away!!!!! What is the likelihood that it is indeed my fuel pump? 100%? I only ask bc i don't drive the car that much. Usually just on the weekends here or there. sometimes not for 10 days

I have a feeling a pump + install is going to be an expensive fix.

It totally is taking a Cleavland Steamer on you. lol

Ya sound like a fuel pump to me with it not priming all the time.

If you want you could check your fuel pressure and see if it is holding proper pressure when running.

How do i check the fuel pressure?

I used to have a 98 Explorer with a 5.0. I put over 200k on it and I had to drop the tank once for the pump. The next time it needed one I cut a hole in the floor board and made a sheet metal door so I could change the pump in less then an hour. I hate having to drop a fuel tank just to change out a fuel pump.

Is it difficult to change a fuel pump bc i've dropped my tank before... I just never tinkered with the fuel pump. Its like 2 fuel lines and 2 bolts to get the tank off. Then is it just a wiring harness to disconnect the pump?

Usually, when you drop the tank there is a lock ring. Using a brass punch you turn the lock ring loose and pull the pump/float and screen as a unit. Then remove the pump from the unit and install the new one. Put the wole contraption back in the tank with the lock ring and seal, install lines and wiring install tank and done. Of course to forget to bleed off the fuel system before you start the job and then disconnect the battery.

I have not done one on the Mustang but most are pretty similar in my experience.

There is a schrader (sp) valve on the right fuel rail right in the front. You will get your pressure tester out and thread on the adapter that fits it. Then you will turn the ignition on and let the fuel pump prime. With the key on, engine off you will go around and check the gauge. I believe it should be 35 (someone correct me if I'm wrong.) Then turn your car over and check the gauge with the motor running. It should be around 30. Again I'm not 100% positive on the pressure amounts cause I just got my mustang a month and a half ago, but that is how you do it.

Fuel pumps aren't bad at all, hardest part most of the time is dropping the tank. If you can do that, just disconnect the lines, and the lock ring and pull it out. Put a new sock on the pick up while your in there.

Good luck