Fuel pump?

Tiny
JOSEPAYAN121
  • MEMBER
  • 2019 DODGE CHARGER
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
I recently changed my fuel pumps on my car listed above GT model as I could smell gas inside my car. When I removed the back seat to reveal the pumps, I noticed gas was leaking from the passenger side pump. I replaced both pumps and now my car will crank but not start on the first try, however after I try to turn the car on for a second time it starts up without a problem. It only seems to struggle to turn on after the car has been off for a bit. I don’t know what the problem could be as it would not have this problem prior to me replacing the pumps.
Monday, November 6th, 2023 AT 4:56 PM

22 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That sounds like a pressure-related issue. Try this and let me know the results.

1) Turn the key from off to the run position (engine off) and count to 5.

2) Turn the key off and repeat step 1 a total of five times.

3) On the 6th time, see if it starts normally.

Also, let me know what was leaking. Was it a hose or where the pump mounts in the tank?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, November 6th, 2023 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
JOSEPAYAN121
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Hello Joe, I believe it was gasoline that was leaking from the fuel pump. It was coming from the hose that is mounted on the pump. Also, I have tried switching the ignition on and off a few times before actually turning the car on and it seems to work, however if I come back to the car after it’s been off for a while and try to turn the car on right away it will crank no start once again. It’ll turn on the second attempt only.
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Monday, November 6th, 2023 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That is fuel pressure drop-off. The fuel pump is in the tank. The hose where you saw a leak is on the exterior. Are you certain that the leak has been repaired? That will allow fuel pressure to drop and cause a delayed start.

The easiest way to confirm if it is a pressure drop-off is to check fuel pressure and then when you turn the car off, see how fast the pressure drops.

Here is a link that explains how to do it:

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

You will need a fuel gauge for this, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
JOSEPAYAN121
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Hi, I am almost certain that the leak has been repaired as there is no longer any gas leaking outside of the fuel pump, I’ve ran the car for a few minutes with the pumps exposed and nothing seems to leak from either side. However, I am not sure where to find the fuel pressure valve to test the pressure. Any help with where it’s located or how I can test it would be appreciated.
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Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I'm not sure I understand exactly what you are looking for. If you are looking to release pressure, I attached the directions below. See pic 1. What is suggested is the removal of the fuel pump relay, starting the engine, and allowing the fuel pressure to be depleted.

If you need the Schrader valve location, either it will be on the fuel rail or it may require the removal of the supply hose at the rail, a T placed in it, and then the gauge mounts to the T.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 AT 6:40 PM
Tiny
JOSEPAYAN121
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I went to my nearest AutoZone and picked up a fuel pressure test kit, however I am not sure where I need to hook it up in order to test the pressure. I disconnected the fuel pump relay but the car only cranks and doesn’t actually start until I put it back on.
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Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If it doesn't start, that is because the pressure is too low. That is what we need. If there is no Schrader valve on the fuel rail, they you will need to disconnect the fuel supply where it mounts to the rail, place a T between the two, and then the gauge can be attached to the T.

Some of these have a Schrader valve on the fuel rail, but this one may not.

Joe
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Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 AT 7:11 PM
Tiny
JOSEPAYAN121
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If fuel pressure is too low how can I fix this?
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Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The pump is new, so I don't think it is low-pressure. What I think happens is when you turn the car off and the pump turns off, the fuel pressure drops too low due to a leak. It could be a few things that cause it, but most commonly, it is a leak or leaky fuel injector.

So, when you check this, we need to pay attention to the pressure when the key is turned off. It will slowly drop to a point, but it won't be too much and will take a bit of time.

Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
JOSEPAYAN121
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Hmm, okay, but if I remove the backseat and expose both pumps and see no gasoline or leaks anywhere in the area could there still be a leak somewhere else causing this low pressure?
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Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
JOSEPAYAN121
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Hello, I disconnected the fuel line, however I’m not sure where to connect both sides of the T to, one side I have hooked up to the cable but I’m not sure where to plug the other side in.
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Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 AT 4:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say cable. When you disconnect the supply hose, one side of the T will go to the supply hose, and the other side will likely need a rubber fuel line to bridge between the T and the fuel rail.

As far as the pressure is concerned, I don't suspect it is a problem. It is when the engine is turned off that I suspect pressure drops too fast. If you look at the pics below, you'll see that within five minutes, it shouldn't drop more than 10 PSI when the pump turns off.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
JOSEPAYAN121
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Hello, I filled up my gas tank last night, and it appears that the passenger side pump is leaking fuel again, do you know why this would be?
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Friday, November 10th, 2023 AT 2:40 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Can you tell me approximately where it is leaking from? For example, is the leak where the pump attaches inside the tank? Does it appear to be a hose or quick connector?

If I had to guess, I would think it would most likely be a quick connector O-ring that is leaking. Check closely around where the connector is on the pump. Also, this sounds like it is what is causing the delayed start (fuel pressure drop off). With that in mind, I suspect it is a fuel line or connector.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, November 10th, 2023 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
JOSEPAYAN121
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Hello, so I took a closer look, and it looks like it’s a slow steady leak coming from the O-ring area specifically where the serial numbers are on the ring, I recently filled up my gas tank so I’m thinking maybe that has something to do with it? Below I will provide a picture. I also noticed gas was leaking from directly under the car, would this be for the same reason?
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Saturday, November 11th, 2023 AT 2:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Was that o-ring that goes between the tank and module replaced or inspected for damage? As far as the fuel under the vehicle, yes, that certainly could be where it is coming from.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, November 11th, 2023 AT 10:57 PM
Tiny
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No this is the same o ring that was originally on it.
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Saturday, November 11th, 2023 AT 11:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

There is a chance that is the problem. Sometimes when tightening or loosening the retainer, they tear. The only thing we can do is check at this point. You do have it between the module and tank and not the retainer and module, correct?

I wish I had a better answer for you, but like you said, that is where it appears to be leaking.

Let me know your thoughts.

Joe
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Saturday, November 11th, 2023 AT 11:34 PM
Tiny
JOSEPAYAN121
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Hello, so I just opened up my fuel tank, the passenger side, one, and as soon as I removed the O-ring, a stream gas started coming out from under the car, is this normal?
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Monday, November 13th, 2023 AT 3:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

That doesn't sound normal. Was it coming from one of the fuel lines? The O-ring is between the tank and the module. I'm not sure what would cause fuel to start leaking when that is opened unless you pulled the module out and then it started.

In what condition was the O-ring?

Joe
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Monday, November 13th, 2023 AT 10:03 PM

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