intermittent sputtering and stalling in 84 - fuel pump/filter?

[84jon]

I was cruising along in my 84 van when it suddenly started sputtering and losing power. I started giving it gas and it seemed to respond long enough to get out of traffic and stop. I turned it off and when I tried to start up again, it cranked and cranked but showed no signs of life.

I called AAA for a tow, and while I was waiting I kept trying to start but nothing happened - cranking with no attempts to start - like I was out of gas but I definitely was not. Finally, after about ten minutes, it started up and ran just fine.

It seemed like a fuel issue, so I immediately thought of the fuel pump and/or filter. I know that neither had been replaced in probably over ten years, so I bought replacement parts.

After replacing the fuel filter, it seemed to run better for a while, with more power, but then it started the whole sputtering business again. I checked for codes, and everything is normal.

I'm going to replace the fuel pump, but I've been reading other threads and thinking maybe the fuel pressure regulator as well? I thought fuel pumps generally just stopped working when they failed. Anybody have any suggestions for what to try next?

Thanks in advance, and any help greatly appreciated!

[MarkH]

My fuel pump seemed to run ok, but the van would stall when driving at higher than idle. I checked the pressure and it was about 20 psi, which is low. I replaced the pump and then everything ran fine. The old pump sounded like it was full of gravel when I test-ran it outside of the van. My point is, the pump can be running and putting out low pressure. I'd check the fuel pressure with a gauge before replacing the pump, which is a pain since you have to drop the tank. Stores like Canadian Tire up here loan out automotive tools (like a fuel pressure gauge test kit) for free. You don't have that store down there, but I think Pep Boys might do the same in the US.

[84jon]

I'd check the fuel pressure with a gauge before replacing the pump, which is a pain since you have to drop the tank.

You're right. I should check the pressure before replacing the pump. I'll rent a tester.

Thanks for that!