Third Gen won't Start

[meissen]

Hey guys,

My neighbor across the street bought a Camaro RS identical to Darren's - white with red stripes. Red interior, "RS" decals on the side, and he said it was a 305 TBI.

He can't get the car to start - and we noticed that you can't hear the fuel pump prime. Should it prime like 4th gens do? He could get it to run if he put starter fluid into the throttle body but it won't start otherwise so we think fuel is the missing equation.

Any ideas? Is there a fuse for the fuel pump? I told him about how we did the trap door method on my car - is it possible on 3rd gens? And if so, any writeups out there?

Thanks guys!
-B

[WMCCjames]

Yes, there is a fuel pump fuse...usually located up by the battery in a single fuse holder screwed to the inner fender (not sure if it's in the same location on the later years however) Yes, you should hear the pump prime for 3 seconds when the key is put into the run position.

Trap door method is not a good idea on 3rd gens (in my opinion) due to the solid metal fuel lines that come off the sending unit...the hole would have to be very large. You "could" cut the metal lines and put in unions but thats a total hack job.

[Darren]

Really another one like mine? Damn! yes you can hear the pump primeing or you should atleast. If the car will run with starting fluid and then quit then fuel is your problem. Sounds like a clogged filter or bad pump. And like James said the trap door method is not recommended on 3rd gens cause you have to cut a huge hole. Just drop the tank... Also pics!!!

[Curt_irocz]

Yes, the fuse like WMCCJames said, and check the relay, If still nothing. Unplug the pump under the car, and there will be a brown, pink, and Black wire. Hook up power to the brown, and ground the black, and you will be able to tell if the pump is good. Dont touch the pink, its for the sending unit.

[meissen]

Anyone have a pic of this fuse? I saw a fuse on the passenger side fender that was for a cylindrical fuse that had no fuse in it. I figured it was for audio but I don't know my 3rd gens.

[Darren]

I will be going back over to mine on friday during the day and could take a picture of it then if its needed... So you cant hear the pump prime?

[meissen]

Not at all - the car is completely silent when you turn the key to the "on" position (before cranking)

[Darren]

Not at all - the car is completely silent when you turn the key to the "on" position (before cranking)

ahh well then yes its fuel (but you already figured that out) so it could be that relay but I bet its the pump. Isnt there a fuse in the fuse box on the drivers side for the fuel pump as well? I dont have my manuals nor car at home to look but I can almost swear there is...

[MP81]

Pumps dead, or the fuse/relay is toast. The relay should be on the driver side of the firewall, if it's like mine.