Fuel pump causing a car to stall?

Question

I'm looking at a car (95 bonneville, 77k, $1250). Well, I called to ask about the car and was told the following: the car needs a new fuel pump. They said they took it to a garage because it was stalling while driving it, they'd have to put it in neutral and restart it. They said the garage told them they needed a new fuel pump, but they wanted to sell the car anyway because they have 4 cars already and don't want to pay to fix this. My dad can replace the fuel pump for me, but he's a little weary of the situation. He thinks that if there was a problem with the fuel pump, the car probably wouldn't start at all. What do you think? I really want to check this car out because it's so cheap, but I don't want to get myself in too deep. Other than this the car is in good condition. If i test drive the car is there anyway I can tell that it is the fuel pump? Help!

Answer 1

First, a '95 Bonneville is a gas hog. Second, it may only be a plugged fuel filter. They may be two or three. One would be back by the gas tank somewhere, maybe in the rear wheel well. The second may be right on the carburetor, a wire screen mesh, or a gas filter in the engine compartment before the fuel injection.

If it needs a fuel pump, it would NOT start. If it's got a carburetor, it may only be a stuck choke (holds the butterfly open)..

You need to replace all fuel filters first, then disconnect the fuel line at the carb (or injectors), turn the engine over and see if fuel comes out. If not it may be a fuel pump. The other thing is it may simply have no gas in the tank.

You check all the easy cheap stuff first, never take anyone's word for it until you know it's true.

Answer 2

Good move. Don't buy someone else's misery.  

Answer 3

a fuel pump will be over half of what you are buying the car for. i would be hesitant about that car. any car you buy for 1250 dollars is going to give you problems. i would save up 6-7 grand and get a good used car

Answer 4

The fuel pump is in the gas tank (that means removing the tank to get to the pump .

The fuel filter is much easyer to get to it may be stopped up .

A pressure guage would tell if the pump isn't working  

Answer 5

first thing to learn you never buy a car that needs work....... and hes right if a fuel pump is bad most of the time they wont start at all... and they said he said is not a good thing... really think man... buy one that runs is smarter.....id pass or buy someone problems become your problems