Grr - Daughter's cabby worked fine an hour ago - now no fuel

[sqlbug]

I lurk way too much, I know. I apologize. I lurk here, the tex, what used to be the152, etc.
And it seems that I'm always asking some variation of the same question. But here goes.

Earlier today I had a VW tech come out and look at all my dubs. He offered advice on all of them, a game plan, if you will. We drove the 88 so he could experience what we were trying to explain. No issues starting.

An hour later, two tops, try to start, and it behaves like it's not getting any fuel. If I push the gas pedal to the floor, or keep the key in place a tad too long, it will stumble like it's gotten ahold of a drop or two of fuel, but then goes back to the familiar, desperate whir wwhirrrr whirrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

I'll email the VW mechanic guy, but in the mean time, any quick hit advice? I have hit this wall of exhaustion and frustration. I'm supposed to be writing a philosophy paper, but she needs her car for school next week.
Bentley is here infront of me. I am thinking troubleshooting would go something along these lines:
1. drink heavily...
2. repeat as needed

wait sorry, wrong list.

1. Jumper out the relay, try to start? Cry if doesn't work since I have a spare relay.
2. troubleshoot the intank pump.
3. troubleshoot the under carriage pump
4. cry some more

I have a fuel pressure gauge, but I've not even taken it out of it's shrinkwrap. So I don't know if it even has a usable adaptor in there, but from what I read, I shouldn't count on it.

I have a spare in tank pump, I could swap that out, but hate to if that's not the issue. I just am unsure of the process of elimination.

I mean, is it smart to step through like that...check the relay first, then the intank pump, etc. Or would it be simpler to take the in line off the fuel filter and check the pressure there (assuming I have the correct adaptor?).

My husband says that when I get in this state I lose my objectivity and can't focus enough to trouble shoot. he's right. I'm just so frustrated.

Days like these I question my hobby.
Please someone throw cold water on me, slap me, and tell me to snap out of it!?!?!?!

[Briano1234]

Well, is there a loud whine out of the passenger side rear wheel area when the car is running? That would be a fuel pump in-tank that is restricting the primary.

Then I would think that if it isn't then check the fuel pump relays.

[Calimus]

Pull the spark plugs after said starting session and have a look. If they are wet, you are getting fuel. Just recently helped a friend that had similair issue, turned out the be the ignition switch. Definitly check the pumps though. If an intank pump has died, it can cause a lot of extra work for the main pump which will overheat and not work well enough till it cools down.

best way to check the intank pump is to pull it from the tank (under the rear bench seat and then under the cover-plate) and have someone put the key in the on position to make sure you hear & feel that pump buzzing in your hand.

[sixsracing]

Has the issue been resolved?

[sqlbug]

Sometimes it's the simple answer...

The fuel pump FUSE had blown. After switching out relays, looking at EVERYTHING else first...it was the fuse.
<sigh>

[Calimus]

glad to hear it. I personally think fuses are the cause of male pattern baldness, but don't quote me on that

[sixsracing]

I agree, I do something stupid and then my wife finds out and I or she blows a fuse and then the hair gets pulled out and..... not the correct thread for this is it?





Sorry.

[Briano1234]

glad to hear it. I personally think fuses are the cause of male pattern baldness, but don't quote me on that

No getting your hair caught in a belt on a running engine is...

[Calimus]

is that why you finally cut your hair that last time round Brian?