Is fuel pump on the way out....***UPDATE AS OF 2/3/12***

[oz37k]

Last Friday when I got off work I attempted to start my car and it acted as if it was flooded when I initally turned the key, I let it sit for a few seconds and attempted to start and it did but white smoke came out of my tailpipe once it started and surged a bit til it stabilized and only does it when it acts as if it was flooded, no other times.
Car starts perfectly in the mornings, no hesitation or anything but when I drive it to work and let it sit thru my 8 hr shift and go home it seems to get this problem. I already changed the fuel filter and thru the 7 yrs that I have owned my 1995 Monte Z34 I have never changed my fuel pump, could it be this? Also my gas gauge needle started bouncing around as well and never did this before.
I have searched and read other post and most of them state symptoms that I already know would happen if the pump was out but nothing like I am experiencing.
Car runs very strong and accelerates with no problems. I have not noticed any decrease in performance.
Any help would be appreciated.

[Crazy K]

fuel pressure test time! If you have no test gauge, either rent a good one (Autozone has em) or buy one and check it out.

I recommend the Bosch pump, which can be bought cheap from advance auto parts online using a discount code(try code word VISA), and has a lifetime warranty as long as you buy the filer and strainer at the same time...

[oz37k]

I was thinking the same. I got one 2 christmases ago from Harbor Freight and now that I need it I cannot find it. I will look for it if not I will rent one at Autozone and check it out. I know that when it acts funny I return the key to off and then on again and it starts. Must be building pressure during this on and off time.

[Crazy K]

it could be. also consider that you could have a leaky injector. watch for pressure dropping off after the fuel pump is fully primed.

[Andrew]

also consider that you could have a leaky injector. watch for pressure dropping off after the fuel pump is fully primed.

this

also, is it hard to start after every long break? if so, could be the evap purge valve is stuck open.

[oz37k]

***FIXED***
It was the fuel pump. Took it to the Big O tire shop around the corner from my job to see if they would test the pressure for free since my company get discounts from them. They checked and showed me the results and it was no where near the 41-47 psi stated in the service manual. Got it replaced with new pump and strainer and now fires up at first try everytime with no hesitation and car does feel more alive.
The guy at the shop told me that it was a matter of time til the car left me stranded cause the pressure was very low from their test results.
Thanks to all who pitched in and helped.

[oz37k]

So I thought I fixed my problem with the new fuel pump but it started actiing funny, so I checked the plugs and luckily none were fouled but were worn so I replaced them. I also decided to give all the vacuum lines a once over and found that when I pulled the fuel pressure regulator vac line to the upper manifold fuel squirted out. Finally after all the money put in to find the problem it was what I should have originally checked. Luckily I was able to pick one up at my local auto parts store and will be putting in, hope problem goes away. I also checked vacuum leaks using the brake cleaner method and found none, didn't think so cause in December I replaced my manifold gaskets and all vacuum lines and hoses for precaution.

[Schurkey]

I also checked vacuum leaks using the brake cleaner method and found none

Brake cleaner is often non-flammable. Therefore worthless for testing vacuum leaks.

I use aerosol carb cleaner. Highly flammable--at least the brands I buy are.

[brake]

Brake cleaner is often non-flammable. Therefore worthless for testing vacuum leaks.

I use aerosol carb cleaner. Highly flammable--at least the brands I buy are.

It would still displace the air/fuel mixture if there was a vac leak

[oz37k]

I wanted to ask, will I need a quick disconnect tool to get the fuel pressure regulator out from the fuel lines?

[AL]

Its mounted on the fuel rail

[xtremerevolution]

On 3800s, you need to use a C clip compressor tool (looks like some fancy pliers). Might be the same for you.

Sent from my HTC Awesome using Tapatalk

[oz37k]

Picking up the tool below. According to others that I know, this tool made the job alot easier:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...questid=123794

[carkhz316]

You shouldn't need that quick disconnect tool unless this is on a L67, or something other than a W-body. Also, the ability for brake cleaner to be flammable or not depends on if it's chlorinated or non-chlorinated.

[oz37k]

You shouldn't need that quick disconnect tool unless this is on a L67, or something other than a W-body. Also, the ability for brake cleaner to be flammable or not depends on if it's chlorinated or non-chlorinated.

So all I have to do is uncrew and pull the regulator off the fuel line and pop in the new one in the fuel rail and fuel line. Seems to easy. My car is an LQ1 (3.4 DOHC).