i can smell fuel in the cab, fuel gauge also acts strange

Arro · Post by **Arro** » Sun Jul 27, 2014 9:08 pm

Ok so we believe the fuel pump died. Key turned on, disconnected line at firewall in engine bay, no fuel. So we ordered the MPx Walbro kit and the Mopar 58 lb.regulator.

Got the tank out thanks to the guide on here by quicksilver... and we got to thinking...... when we filled the tank up, sometimes we smelled fuel vapors in the ca. Also, when we filled the tank completely, sometimes the gauge would read right, then suddenly drop below "E", then would go back to full again. Once you used some of the fuel (maybe 1/4 of it) the gauge would act normal most of the time or nearly all the time.

What we are wondering is how to fix these issues now that the tank is out of the car. Anyone have ideas about these two issues? ALSO... when I removed the pump assembly, I noticed the fuel filter was GONE. Little bits of it are still there but 99% of it is missing. I wonder......... did this kill the pump? Or worse -- did this clog the line from the pump to the fuel rail?

Any and all advice welcome, thanks in advance.

NickKo · Post by **NickKo** » Sat Aug 02, 2014 10:20 am

I personally think you have two separate issues going on.

Check both the lines for the evap system (rotted or plugged hoses?)

On the 1st gen Neons, the fuel filler necks are known to rust out.... Especially on the 1995 models.
I have never heard of such a thing happening on a 2nd gen Neon, but I'd check that, too.

As far as your fuel gauge going wonky..... It is possible you may need to replace the sending unit for the fuel gauge; OR that the wiring going to the tank connector may be corroded or damaged.
Also check the ground for the fuel pump, while you are doing this. The ground for the fuel tank & fuel pump is located inside the roof of the trunk compartment on 1st gen Neons, on the driver's side - I imagine that it is in the same location on the 2nd gen Neons.

- Nick

Arro · Post by **Arro** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 3:15 pm

So you don't think it's the pump? I already bought an MPx Wally 255 kit and 58 psi regulator. I figure might as well put it in. If the pump still doesn't work then I will have to check wiring.

I'm in the process of also pulling out the ATX so there's no battery, but I will worry about the fuel once the MTX is in.

Where is the evap canister? Is that the square box near the gas tank?

Post by **occasional demons** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 7:45 pm

The debris from the filter may have killed the pump, but the FPR/filter should have prevented it from getting into the rest of the fuel system.

The new pump it and FPR should take care of that. As far as the gauge issue, that seemed to be a thing a few years back with the tach clusters. Mine even did it for a spell, and it has not happened for a few years now. It might be a cluster issue, or a sender issue.