1997 Dodge Caravan fuel pump

Tiny
THE_MOMMA
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 18,000 MILES
My father just replace my fuel pump but did not check the pressure as recommended in Chilton manual. Original problem was van not starting on the first try and had a gas smell coming from underneath. He found a leak and a nipple broken on fuel pump. So he changed it yesterday. At first it was fine, but today is seems worse, minus the gas smell. It takes 2 or 3 times to start and I have to pump the gas pedal or it wont start at all. Before replacing the pump the van would start fine after it had been driven, now it doesnt matter it just doesnt want to start like it should. Is it the carburator? The fuel filter? (Which he did not replace) or should I just take it into a shop? No he is not a mechanic but pretty knowledgable. Thanks.
Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 7:47 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

Do this first.

Turn key to On Position, then turn back to Off position, do this 3 or 4 times then try starting. If it start normally replace Fuel Pressure Regulator.

Post results

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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
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This does seem to make a difference, but isnt the regulator part of the new fuel pump? I am only basing this info from the diagram I saw in Chilton, it appears to be part of the fuel pump itself. Please let me know if that is not the case. Thanks
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Monday, July 19th, 2010 AT 2:16 PM
Tiny
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Yes you are correct. And you can either change just the regulator ($114+/-) or replace the fuel pump($200 or so). My suggestion would be to replace the whole assembly.

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Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
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  • 6 POSTS
Well, between my husband and his dad, they decided to replace the fuel filter instead thinking this would solve my problem. Which is did not. It did improve it somewhat, but did not fix it. In my research, I did find out that my vehicle has had 2 recalls regarding the Fuel rail seals. Could this possibly have something to do with my current problem? It actually left me stranded the other day because it wouldnt start. My father said I was parked on a slant and didnt have enough gas in the tank to reach the fuel pump. After adding gas, it did finally start and got me home. What about checking the fuel pressure in the line? I read that is suppose to be done when the pump is changed.
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Monday, August 9th, 2010 AT 10:54 PM
Tiny
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Hello,

Sorry for delay in responding not sure how missed your post.

Anyway, yes the fuel rail seals can cause the problem do to it affecting the fuel spray pattern. If seals are leaking letting in extra air then it will affect the spray pattern and fuel air ratio.

As far as checking fuel pressure you can check it at anytime not just after changing the pump.

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Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
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Called my Dodge dealer and apparently the fuel rail recall was done in 2002. Guess I should try the fuel pressure regulator as suggested previously? By the time I am done it will all be new!
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Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Sorry for taking so long to post back, been dealing with illnesses with kids and wife.

Bummer on the recall already being done. Hope all goes or went well with the fuel pressure regulator.

Let me know results.

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Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 AT 9:03 PM
Tiny
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Well apparently all these problems came from a defective fuel pump that I purchased at autozone! Finally took it to a mechanic who told me it wasnt working. Exchanged it yesterday and its like new again! But have another problem. Should I repost my new questions?
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Monday, August 23rd, 2010 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
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Yes, Please start a new thread/post. That way if someone else has same or similar problem can find it easier. Will be looking for it.

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Monday, August 23rd, 2010 AT 9:06 PM

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