1994 Chevy Cavalier Dies After Running

1994 CHEVROLET TRUCK
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JSKINNER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
my car stays running for about 20 minutes then it acts like it doesn't get any gas. and slows down until it dies. is this the fuel pump? how do i put on a fuel pump? it also makes a whining sound all the time and the power windows mess up and make the whining sound louder when you push the button to roll it up or down. the turn signal also makes the whining noise get louder.
Jul 7, 2006 at 9:58 AM
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MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
It really doesnt sound like a fuel pump. Usually when they are bad, they are bad all the time. If it is consistantly starving for fuel after 20 minutes, it sounds more like you may have a bad fuel cap. If your tank is not venting, maybe it is building up back pressure and not allowing the fuel to flow properly.
It is atleast worth a try, and a whole lot less money and trouble than changing a fuel pump and finding out it is not the problem.
It looks like your fuel pump is in your fuel tank, and requires tank access to replace. Your fuel filter is located under the rear of the car, reward of the fuel tank.
Are you sure it is starving for fuel, and not overheating?
Jul 7, 2006 at 10:44 AM
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Suggested Repair

Try a new fuel cap first so the tank can vent; a sealed tank can build pressure and starve fuel after about 20 minutes. Confirm it is fuel starvation rather than overheating before replacing the in-tank pump. The filter is under the rear of the car, behind the tank.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1994 Chevy Cavalier says it runs about 20 minutes, then slows and dies as if it is not getting fuel, and asks whether the fuel pump is bad and how to replace it. A constant whine gets louder when the power windows or turn signals are used. The expert says a bad pump is usually bad all the time, so a fuel cap that is not venting the tank is more likely and cheaper to try. The pump is in the tank and the filter is under the rear behind the tank; the expert also asks whether the car is overheating instead of starving for fuel.

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