Will not start after running out of gas

2002 BUICK CENTURY
70,000 MILES • 5.1L • V8 • 2WD
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WILLIEMETCALFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
just before i ran out of gas i could hear a high-pitched vacuum noise. It ran out of gas and after putting three gallons of gas in it the car wouldn't start. i tried dumping gas in the carburetor, it starts but shuts off, won't stay running.
Jun 11, 2022 at 1:39 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
The very worst thing for a fuel pump is running out of fuel because it not only uses the fuel for lubrication, but it also keeps it cool.

So just because you only ran out of fuel once, doesn't mean that the pump hasn't failed.

So clearly the engine can run on fuel that you add but it is not getting fuel on its own.

This could be due to a vapor lock but that is normally solved by adding fuel and getting the injectors to open.

If this is not working, then we need to check the pressure.

Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

So, we need to find out what this is and then if it is low but yet you hear the pump running, we may need to replace the pump.

It is highly unlikely that you have a restriction in the system, but we should remove the filter and then run the line into a bucket and turn the key on. If there is still no fuel, then I would replace the pump.

Let me know what you find.

Thanks
Jun 12, 2022 at 2:47 AM
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WILLIEMETCALFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thanks for getting back to me, I am defiantly going to give it a shot. I will let you know the outcome. thanks again Kenny.
Jun 12, 2022 at 11:22 AM
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