Chevrolet fuel pumps are junk, frankly. I work at a Chevy dealership, and we do fuel pumps hand over fist on cars with sometimes as little as 30k. It's hard to say without putting a fuel pressure gauge on the car, but the fuel pump probably is bad. If the fuel pump is bad, you should have the fuel filter replaced at the same time, because it probably hasn't ever been done. When the fuel filter clogs up, it makes the fuel pump work harder, which is just too much to ask for those crappy little pumps, so have the fuel filter changed every 15k or so, to maximize fuel pump life. Labor times for fuel pump replacement are 2.1 hours for a 2 door blazer, 3.0 hours for a 4 door, and if the tank has a shield on it, thats another 0.5 hours. The fuel pump is somewhere in the range of 500 to 550 dollars. Most shops will charge 1.0 hour to diagnose the problem, and the fuel filter pays 0.7 hours to replace, some shops charge less so they can sell more of them. I don't know what labor rates are in your area, dealerships are around 100 dollars an hour around here, independent shops are around 75. I personally would advise against trying to get a cheaper aftermarket fuel pump, as bad as the factory pumps are, the aftermarket ones are even worse, and a total waste of money. Go with factory parts-make an issue of it with your mechanic if you need to.Fuel Pump Vs Fuel Filter? (SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY)?
A fuel filter usually costs about $10 from walmart and it is extremely easy to replace. My guess about 15 minutes by any mechanic.
Simple troubleshooting, spend the few dollars and eliminate that possibility.
Fuel pump could be bad, or the fuel pressure regulator. It is vacuum operated, so there might be a possibility that you lost a vacuum hose on or near the regulator. These are all easy things to check and any mechanic would be able to diagnose it. You don't have to go to the dealer.
Good luck.
Edit: Upon further thought, you might have a fuel injector that is stuck open and releasing the fuel pressure after it has set for a little while. Again, this isn't hard to diagnose, a decent mechanic can find this as well.Fuel Pump Vs Fuel Filter? (SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY)?
Fuel pressure valveFuel Pump Vs Fuel Filter? (SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY)?
You have not given enough information to tell you exactly what is wrong, but it is a safe guess that the fuel filter may be at fault. You would need fuel pressure readings to know if it is a fuel pump, it could even be the injector or the computer or the ignition module for that matter.Fuel Pump Vs Fuel Filter? (SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY)?
A fuel filter for your vehicle is only a few dollars. When trying to diagnose a problem without alot of special test equipment, or experience... Always replace the least expensive part (filter) first! That way, even if it doesn't fix the problem, you haven't wasted alot of money. If your engine continues to run on it's own after you pour gas in your carb./thottle body, you can assume the pump is working but fuel flow is restricted.Fuel Pump Vs Fuel Filter? (SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY)?
I own Chevy檚 and have always, with these computers you are best advised to stay with the dealer part. The fuel filter is located likely as on mine under the vehicle just ahead of the tank mounted on the frame in the wide open. Any one can replace it with an IQ above 40. If you'll go by a dealer take your insurance card with you they can pull up your exact vehicle by the VIN number located on your insurance card. Change the filter and see where you're at. Because one way or the other the filter should be changed and it's very likely the filter because one trip through a cheap gas station with filth in their storage tank can wipe out the filter and besides by time you paid to have it checked you could have just changed it yourself. From there if you still have fuel problems it is the pump which is mounted in the tank and requires the tank to be pulled and drained to service it. If the vehicle is still run able then drive it until the warning light comes on that you are near empty then have the pump replaced. I would locate a good dependable mechanic to do the work and supply the pump yourself purchased as you did the filter. It isn't rocket science to install but one has to be strong enough to handle the tanks weight with what ever amount of fuels in it. If you have some gear head male friends they can do it in a driveway and save you a heap of money. Shops going to charge for disposal of the old fuel and for new fuel to run on as well. Also don't start the car by pouring gas in the throttle body (carb as you call it) because there is a high risk of fire, use starting fluid that comes in a spray can and is available at Wal-Mart or anywhere else that carries the basics. I have had to replace the fuel pump two times on a 1989 pickup with 225,000 miles on it. I also have a 94 Chevy that hasn檛 ever been changed so I don檛 agree that they go out left and right as stated in another answer.Fuel Pump Vs Fuel Filter? (SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY)?
First off I am scared of where you are placing fuel at!!! You say you have to put it in the carb, yet later you say you have injectors. If your running fuel intot he throttle body, then you are opening yourself up for a problem. All I can say is change the filter first, since it is easier and cheaper. If you still carry the fault then you know it might be the pump. You will have to take it to the dealer to get it changed cause it is most likely inside the gas tank, not fun to change.
