Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Fix on the 3rd gear stutter (w/new fuel pump)??

Just as more info, I had my fuel pump replaced (twice within a week) when the bucking began to happen or I noticed it. The car's got so many stupid problems I just sort of give up.

I really don't think its a fuel pump issue, but the change of it may have exacerbated or triggered something.

Sometimes it helps to recheck some of the basics. You should read the FAQ on replacing the fuel pump. At the very bottom of the FAQ is a photo of the fuel pump inlet filter screen.

The biggest and most prevelent problem with these fuel pumps is that this screen is either too fine or too small or both and that it plugs up too easily. If you have even a small amount of contamination in the tank, the filter plugs up just enough to cause fuel starvation under load.

So you may need to more thoroughly clean out the tank. You may also need to do nothing more than remove the filter screen and throw it away. It isn't needed. There is still a conventional sock filter on the inlet pipe further inside the fuel pump module.

http://www.contour.org/mods/mods.php?s=howto&displayid=39

the problem is, the most recent fuel pump they sell, doesnt have that style inlet filter shown at the bottom of that article. it has a 'sock' type filter that hangs off the side. the people who used that other- older model replacement pump, dont seem to have the 3rd gear stutter.

as a mechanical engineer myself, i truly believe this problem is directly related to the newest style pump Ford sells. if i had to guess, id say the pumps natural frequency is oscillating against another freq. the car produces in that rpm range in third gear, causing the fuel injection fluctuation. either that, or injection timing and flow rate needs to be modified for this pump.

frustrated svt contour enthusiast,
randomds
2000 SVT Contour

Do you know if you have a return style pump or a returnless pump? It sounds like you may have the early style return type. If you have the return type, the above info does not apply.

If it is the return style, you can buy the pump only (but not from Ford). Check around. I think that BAT has them. www.batinc.net

If it is the returnless style, some have replaced the pump only and not the entire module by using a Focus SVT pump (available from Ford) with very little adapting.

I don't know if you want to try to pursue these other avenues if you expect Ford to correct their mistakes.

To really make sure that it is indeed a fuel supply problem, the car should be driven with a fuel pressure gauge installed to see if there is a drop in pressure when it is acting up.

i am 99% sure we use the returnless style. the replacement i bought from ford, was the most recent model they sell that fits the contour and included the entire assembly. i am however considering buying just the pump motor, pep boys sells one for $180. i'd put the pump motor in the original assembly. i just wish i didnt have to spend that if i am not absolutely sure that will fix the issue.

It's definitely the returnless style, as there is not a return line coming in on the pump (nor could you install one). The only issue with going and getting just the pump motor to install is the fact that I I think you would need the original pump body, which would require the retainer ring in the tank, which had to be cut out to accomodate the new pump- so now it's non-existent. I'd also hate to buy another pump, as I just replaced this one to the tune of $196.00 (garage price).
I know Ford has a 1 year warranty on this pump, but if swap it out, the same symptoms will probabaly occur.

Well, for right now i'm just living with it, shifting as fast as i can out of 3rd gear. Oh well...

some more info from my experience that may be of interest:

- the stutter typically doesn't begin until after the engine warms up.

- seems to be worse (stronger) at colder air temps.

- always most prevalent in 3rd gear.

- when strong, it is slightly noticable in 4th gear and sometimes in 2nd also, but the engine/drivetrain seems to respond strongest in 3rd gear.

- only occurs during acceleration (light or heavy) but at lower rpm.

- seems to end abruptly around 3000 rpm (even though secondaries don't open until ~3800.)

I've posted this a few times since I changed my pump last year, tried lots of unsuccessful fixes, and was starting to think I just got a bad pump.

I'll call the hotline tomorrow!!!

Thanks for the info

Kevin

first off, kevin00svt, your description is exactly identical to my cars symptoms, except it seemed to me that the effects were worse in warmer weather. but please call the hotline. i'm 99% sure its the fuel pump, is this most recent pump we are using the same as the one they put in the focus? if so, Ford should have done more testing using that pump in the contour before calling it the 'replacement' pump.

i'm not sure if there is a pulse damper, what would such a thing look like?

randomds
2000 Stuttering SVT Contour - Black..like my bleak dreams of driving this car again without feeling like a first time stick driver.