Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2001 22:03:27 GMT From: choupytnopsamAMnetscape.net (Choupyt) Subject: Fuel Pump Problem?
I have a 1990 SAAB 900 (hatchback). Recenlty after not using the car for a 2-week period, it wouldn't start although the starter revved up pretty good. It wasn't a battery problem. I was all set to have the car towed to a local garage I trust when I decided to try starting it again. This time It sputtered a bit and died -- acting as if it ran out of fuel (although I had a full tank of gas). At that point, the tow truck driver told me that sometimes the fuel pump "gets stuck" inside the gas tank. He then told me he was going to try a trick that he recenlty learned. With his fist, he bangged real hard on the fuel tank (from underneath). And bingo. When I tried again, the car started. This was about 3 weeks ago, and I had no starting problem afterwards. Except for yesterday afternoon. Coming from work, the car wouldn't start again, but I successfully used the same maneuver to get it to start. The same sequence of events occured this morning. Now, I am told the price of a fuel tank for this car is close to $400 (part only). Thus, my question is: Is it my only option to have the fuel pump replaced? Any help, comments or suggestions would be much appreciated here. Thanks in advance.