I have written about this before, but I need to make sure I know what I am talking about.


I have a 1997 Saturn SC 2dr with the 1.9 engine. My problem is or seems to be, not getting fuel to the engine when first turning the key. It takes a few times before the gas gets there to finally start the engine.


I have been told, "it is the fuel pump, allowing the gas to get by and drain back into the gas tank". Is there a checkvalve built into the pump or is it somewhere else??? Am I looking to replace the pump, which is working or a checkvalve which is not.


Also, I thought I read somewhere, that there is a trap door that I can access to replace the pump without dropping the gas tank. Where is this located? Is it under the back seat or in the trunk somewhere?


Thanks

97 fuel pumps do tend to allow fuel pressure to bleed off between starts.
Ones that were massively defective were extended warrantied (up to 100K I believe)

Workaround:
Turn the key to run, listen for the fuel priming "hum", then a click when the hum ends.

THEN turn the key to START.

Once primed, the car should start right up. Saves wear on the starter, and total cost is 5 seconds per start ($0).

I have 195K on my original 97 SC2 fuel pump--this trick works like a charm.

Derf

Edited by: derf