I was driving to work this morning and the engine on my 89 GL wagon just died. I pulled over and checked the timing belts which I recently replaced. Fortunately I removed the covers so I could clearly see they were fine. I tried to start the car, it ran for a moment, sputtered and died. Tried again and it sputtered momentarily then wouldn't start again.
I pulled the fuel pump panel and disconnected the fuel line on the exit side of the pump where it connects to the line leading up to the engine compartment *after* the little check valve. A little fuel dribbled out of the line that feeds up to the engine compartment but nothing from the fuel pump side.
I know there's fuel in the tank.
With the fuel line disconnected on the output side of the pump I had my wife turn the engine over but no fuel came out of the pump.
Is this normal behavior or does the pump only operate when the vehicle is actually running?
Do these fuel pumps fail somewhat regularly?
Any help is appreciated.