Running loud and oddly since fuel pump change

HELZA2013

MEMBER
2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING
97,000 MILES

2001 Chrysler Sebring convertible (with the notorious 2.7)

Car ran fine, nice and quiet, and was quite reliable until one day it would crank and crank but not turn over. Local mechanic replaced the fuel pump. Ever since then, it will start, but consistently takes several cranks before turning over. Once it does, it runs louder than before and at slightly higher rpms, as if it's getting a little too much gas. You can barely tap the gas and the rpms will jump and stay there even while coasting. Sometimes braking will bring rpms back down. Other times the rpms may get "twitchy" while idling, but not by much. In general it just runs noticably louder than normal. And if you dont press the gas before starting, it will sputter and die.

Also, the engine warning light is turning on intermittently. I have used the ignition method to get the trouble codes but have not had any meaningful codes display.

I can think of a million things that could be contributing to this, from a bad sensor, to vacuum leak, to faulty replacement pump, to timing chain giving up the ghost, but really don't have a clue.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

I have to be honest, the idle issue sounds like a bad idle air control valve (IAC). The IAC is responsible for maintaining the engine idle speed. Could it seem to sound louder just because it is running at a higher RPM? Have you checked the fuel pump pressure to see if it is within the manufacturer's specs? Also, have you checked the fuel pressure regulator?

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Saturday, November 16th, 2013 AT 4:11 PM

HELZA2013

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The more I read, the more hopeful I am that it is just a fuel pressure regulator issue, but I will need to take it in to have the pressure checked. That seems to fit the primary symptoms: extended cranking, inconsistent starting, no engine codes, loss of power under acceleration and increased fuel consumption.

As far as the engine noise, I don't think that is due to the slightly higher rpms, since the increase seems to have been minimal. The best way I can think to describe the sound is that before having the fuel pump replaced, the engine ran with a smooth, even purr. Now it is a much more full, throaty sound - more like a truck than a passenger car. Not a knocking or rattling, just sort of a growl. It is detectable even when idling at 600-700rpm. And it is really guzzling gas at an alarming rate.

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Sunday, November 17th, 2013 AT 6:55 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

It is hard to say without being there. Something as simple as a vacuum hose could have been disturbed and making a noise that you hear. Also, there is a vacuum hose that goes to the regulator. If it isn't on, that will cause problems for you. Have you visited our homepage under the DIY section to see how to check fuel pump pressure as well as the regulator? It isn't that hard to do. The only thing you need is a fuel pressure gauge and most parts stores will lend or rent them to you.

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Sunday, November 17th, 2013 AT 3:07 PM