Hello.

My car (137k on it) has an issue with a hard starting when the gas is low. I replaced to OEM fuel filter but it still has the same symptom. It is time to change the fuel pump right?

Should the fuel pump strainer is replaced when the new pump is installed?

Thanks.

 

How long has it done it? My 2000 civic with 202K on it has had trouble starting with low fuel since I bought it with 7K miles on it. My friend's 94 does it too.

When I asked the same question about 6 years ago, everyone told me that all 92-00 civics do it because it takes longer for the fuel pump to prime when it's low.

Try this: When your fuel is very low (like maybe 1/8-1/4 tank), rather than jumping in and starting it, turn the key to ON for about 3 seconds. Then click it over to start. I'll almost guarantee that it'll start right up on the first turn. When the key is in the ON position, but the engine's not running, you'll hear a whirring noise from under the backseat. That's your fuel pump priming. Once the noise stops, it should start right away.

If that's the exact problem you're having, that's the only workaround I've ever heard for it. Is something different happening?

 

^^^ I 2nd that. Same thing happens to me here and there, I usually just wait for the fuel pump to finish priming until I start it, and it works every time.

 

I think I have the exactly same happen. Can I ignore the issue with the solution or should I replace the pump?

Thanks.

 

Rent a fuel pressure gauge, the tool kind, not the dash kind (AZ rents for free, u just gotta put money down). When the pump goes bad you'll likely have more problems when the engine needs more fuel (like, accelerating, big smokey burnouts, etc.).

Just a thought, a new fuel pump should come with the strainer, if not, they're like $10-$15, cheap insurance.

 

honestly, I think you can totally ignore it. If you decide to replace the pump anyway, I guess do the strainer too, but I seriously don't think you need to replace the pump for this problem. If the pump is actually going bad, you'll notice other symptoms that affect drivability.

If you really want to know for sure, rent a fuel pressure guage like someone else suggested and check your fuel pressure. I almost guarantee it'll be fine once the engine is running.