Fuel - Pressure Loss, Won't Stay Running, Won't Restart
90buick03Bulletin: 89-6E-25
Date: Feb. '90
Ref. No. 89-247-6E
Corp. Ref. No. 906504R
SUBJECT: ENGINES THAT WILL NOT STAY RUNNING AND WILL NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY AMBIENTS ABOVE 65~F., MAY HAVE A FUEL PRESSURE LOSS
MODELS AFFECTED: SOME 1988 LESABRES BUILT AFTER VIN JH468815 AND SOME 1987 THROUGH EARLY BUILT 1989 RIVIERAS OR REATTAS EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L OR 3800 ENGINE (VIN CODES 3 AND C)
LESABRES
Some 1988 LeSabres were equipped with a turbine style fuel pump which required a strainer/filter with a very high filtration rate to prevent pump damage. This strainer/filter could become restricted and cause a fuel pressure loss when exposed to excessive amounts of heat and contaminants; i.e., dust/dirt, and water.
FIGURE 1:
If it has been determined that a 1988 LeSabre which was built after VIN JH468815 has a fuel pressure loss condition, refer to the identification label codes on the sender harness to identify which style fuel pump is being used (see figure 1).
Vehicles with a CPD, CPE or CPP fuel pump/sender assembly identification label code, should have the fuel pump and sender assembly replaced with the parts listed below.
NOTICE: Both the fuel pump kit and fuel sender kit will need to be installed as a new assembly. Strainer/filters, fuel pumps and fuel senders are not interchangeable with different styles.
Part Description Part Number
Fuel Sending Unit Kit 25094732
Fuel Pump Kit 25116144
Vehicles with any fuel pump/sender assembly identification label code not listed above, should be further diagnosed using chart A-7 on page 6E3-A-34 of the 1988 Buick Chassis Service Manual.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Use applicable labor operation number and labor time.
FIGURE 2:
RIVIERA/REATTA
It is possible for some 1987 through 1989 Rivieras up to and including VIN KU414571, and 1988 through 1989 Reattas up to and including VIN KB904964, to experience the same fuel pressure loss condition, however; not for the same reason as on the LeSabre. On the Riviera and Reatta, the return line directs fuel onto the strainer/filter (see figure 2). This can lead to aeration of the fuel around the fuel strainer/filter and may result in a loss of pressure. This condition may occur predominantly at less than 1/4 tank of fuel. To eliminate this condition, install a fuel deflector between the fuel pump and fuel strainer/filter as shown in figure 2.
NOTICE: It is always necessary to install a new fuel strainer/filter when a fuel deflector is installed.
Parts are currently available through General Motors Service Parts Operations under the following part numbers:
Part Description Part Number
Fuel Deflector 25027515
Fuel Strainer/Filter 25055697
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Labor Operation Number: T5190
Labor Time: .9 Hour
Trouble Code: 92