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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 34
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 34 |
I've noticed recently that my Contour doesn't start that well when I am low on gas, under a quarter tank or so. It can take 3 or 4 tries to get it to turn over, it just kinda revs but never totally catches, if you can understand my non-car jibberish. I've been told that; most cars do that and not to worry, there's water in the tank and from my friends at Ford, that I need a new fuel injection system. Gotta love Ford's advice. Anyone have any input on this, it's not really a problem cause I usually keep gas in my tank, but sometimes I forget or go on a trip or something of that nature and the next morning it's kind of annoying when it doesn't start up real well. Thanks guys.
Rob T.
95 Ford Contour GL
Zetec Engine
Inherited from my dad, so no mods at all. One sweet ride though!
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 857
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 857 |
sounds like your fuel pump is on its way out...
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 23
New CEG\'er
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New CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 23 |
Might just be that your fuel gauge is inaccurate. I know when mine has been at 1/4 tank it has sputtered on hills. I now acctually now go by the trip oddometer, whenever I get to the 450km mark I start looking for a place to tank up. I know at 500km it'll take like 50 litres or more in the 55 litre tank, but the gauge is just a little below the quarter. So try dumping a couple of gallons in. Then go to a gas station and fill it and see how much gas it'll take to see if you were just empty.
Alec
'95 GL Zetec ATX
PM Me for pre-98 parts, my parts car must go!
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,854
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,854 |
In reply to:
sounds like your fuel pump is on its way out...
I concur...
1999 Silver Frost SVT
#609 of 2760
Quaife, lightened SVT Flywheel, SPEC stage II clutch, removed resonator, k&n drop in - various other goodies too.
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 231
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 231 |
Originally posted by louisw:
sounds like your fuel pump is on its way out...
Werd. Just got mine replaced.
00 Black SVT #1545
Ground Control. Koni. 18 Konig Tantrum. More.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,541
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,541 |
I agree that the fuel pump sounds suspect.
Keep in mind that any "I just replaced my fuel pump" testimonials are only apples to apples on a returnable fuel system. The returnless (late model, ~99 and up) pumps are known to be junk, where the early fuel pumps are much more trouble-free.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 34
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 34 |
So assuming it is the fuel pump, how much will that run me to replace? I'm on a limited budget here, going back to school this weekend and all. And do you think it's something that needs immediate attention or can it wait? I mean, it works fine most of the time, just those rare times that I'm low on gas does it bother me. Should I be real concerned?
Rob T.
95 Ford Contour GL
Zetec Engine
Inherited from my dad, so no mods at all. One sweet ride though!
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 869
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 869 |
I know that you said that you're not low on gas often, but...have you ever run out of gas? Also, when this does happen, do you crank the motor for more than 2 seconds? What I'm getting at is that the fuel pump is lubricated and cooled by the fuel. If there is no fuel present and the engine is trying to draw fuel from it, it can quickly damage the pump, which is indeed a piece o' crap to begin with. I would also concur that your fuel pump is on the way out. Anyway, if you get in the Zone, it will run you about 130-150 ish.. but there is always the bone yard if you're strapped for cash.
My $.02
Turbocharged trolling around here somewhere.
Beat your wife, Potvin, beat your wife!
True Blue 06...err...07~LET'S GO RANGERS!!
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 34
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 34 |
I have never totally run out of gas, but I have held it for longer than 2 seconds, hoping it will fire up. I suppose that's not good for it. It has been starting right up lately though, so I'm not too worried. Hopefully it will make it through the winter, if not I guess I get a fuel pump for X-mas! Thanks Santa! By the way 00contourse, how do the reverse indiglo gauges look? I saw those on ebay and thought about buying them, you like em?
Rob T.
95 Ford Contour GL
Zetec Engine
Inherited from my dad, so no mods at all. One sweet ride though!
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
is fuel filter even a possible answer here,, wouldn't hurt to run injector cleaner through.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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