93 RT10 ran out of gas, now wont start

[Thuper Thnake]

To make a long story short, I was running low on gas (1/16th tank on gauge...ie: not quite to the empty line) and heading to a gas station when the car died. I'm assuming the gauge isn't perfectly accurate and it just ran dry. Another thing to consider is I just washed the car an hour before. The tank filler spot was FULL of water (drain hole plugged) so the entire filler cap was submerged in water. The filler cap appeared to have been sealed well, and I do not believe it allowed water in the tank, but is still something to consider. If water was introduced into the tank, it couldn't have been more than a 1/2 cup, if any.

I then got 6 gallons of gas and tried to re-start the car. For the first 10-15 cranking attempts it wouldn't even fire. Then, it would fire and then die immediately. After even more cranking, I could get the car to fire and rev to 3000-4000k rpm quickly and then die. In other words, it seems to be improving but still no where near running. I cranked and cranked (again, with breaks in between) thinking maybe a little contaminated gas got in the tank and I figured I'd "flush it though" till I got to the good stuff I just put in. No go. After trying off and on to get the damn thing started for 30 minutes, I gave up as I didn't want to fry the starter and things weren't improving anyways.

Suggestions? I'm thinking of replacing the fuel pump, filter, and retry? Should I have the injectors bench cleaned/flow tested while doing all this? I'm assuming it cant hurt on 27 year old injectors?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[AviP]

Try draining it from the injector side (not sure where exactly, others chime in). Collect it in a clear container and verify that you indeed have water in your gas. Water is heavier and should settle.

 

[ViperJohn]

Have you verified if you have fuel pressure?

 

[Bonkers]

Gas tanks are not zip-lock sealed systems - after 25+ years
its perfectly logically for a significant amount of simple, regular
condensation to build up inside the tank. That being said, if
youve been using the car on a semi-regular basis most of that
should have long burned off.

I agree with John, it sounds more like a pump issue than a water
issue. A bottle of quality isopropyl alcohol can clear up water, but
you need to see if you even have pressure.

 

[Thuper Thnake]

Update. Gas drained by jumping fuel relay, then filter changed and new gas added. Still cranks, fires and revs to 4k at WOT then dies immediately.

Pressure tested at driver side Schroeder valve by firewall

Key on - pressure jumps to 50, then drops to zero quickly

Key on again, pressure jumps to 110, then drops to zero in a second.

Cranking engine- pressure jumps to 110, car turn on, dies- pressure above 100 whole time

Ideas? I’m not a mechanic, but I’m thinking a fuel pump AND fuel pressure regulator replacement job is in my future?Thanks for the replies!

 

[MoparMap]

Yeah, that sounds way high. Most systems are only 40-60 psi for fuel pressure that I've ever seen at least. Wonder if the regulator let go.

 

[Thuper Thnake]

Does anyone know of a tutorial on replacacing gen1 pump and regulator? Are these pumps even sold anymore?

 

[ViperEnvy99]

Dan Cragin 626-588-2882

 

[Thuper Thnake]

Dan Cragin 626-588-2882

Parts seller?

 

[Steve-Indy]

Dan is an original Viper Tech...runs a shop...has worked of hundreds of Vipers. He is a great guy, always willing to help.

 

[Thuper Thnake]

Wow! If anyone would know it would be him! I feel bad calling mechanics for free advice though, especially if I don’t know them personally. Do you think he would mind such a call? I guess I could say someone on VCA suggested I call?

 

[ViperEnvy99]

Probably willing to help if its an easy something. But be prepared, it may not be easy. Then your choice could be to "Richard" around with it 'til 2023 or send it to a guy like Dan, swipe the card, and have fun next weekend.

 

[Thuper Thnake]

Wow. I can’t believe how viper owners, especially old-school shop owners, treat others.









Incredibly well! What a nice group of people! So far, I’ve spoke with Chuck Tator, Dan Cragin, the owner of The Viper Store, and Todd at A&C performance. All of them were insanely generous with their time and knowledge. The funny thing (compared to every other car group I’ve known) is that these guys all pointed to each other with thumbs up. Dan and Todd BOTH said “I’d love your business but (insert name of other guy) is just as capable and a great guy too”. Class acts to say the least.

I sure hope the rest of the viper community is even half as good as these guys are.

 

[AviP]

Wow. I can’t believe how viper owners, especially old-school shop owners, treat others.
...
I sure hope the rest of the viper community is even half as good as these guys are.

Oh, they definitely are a helpful and friendly bunch.