Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Buick Century fuel pump replacement, fuel pressure regulator, buick century

Question
I have been having problems starting my 88 Buick Century during hot weather. If I drive it a few miles, turn it off and try to start it up....it either won't restart until it cools off, or it runs poorly and sputters and stalls. I think I have narrowed it down to the fuel pump and/or the fuel pressure regulator. What do you think? If its the fuel pump, do I have to drop the tank or can I access it from the trunk?

Answer
Entirely possible the fuel is sitting there and vaporizing in the lines in the hot engine compartment...possibly to the point that the fuel pump can't flush it thru when you try to start it.

I assume you checked to see if you can hear the pump run when the key is turned to run. it should humm for about two seconds.

I would be testing the pressure.

But without testing it, you could try something to see if it helps.

The pump only runs for about two seconds, so turn the key to run for two seconds, then off for a few seconds, then back to run for two seconds....etc. Do that several times, and see if maybe that will have the fuel pump fill the system with cooler, liquid fuel. Then try to start it.

I have needed to replace a pump or two that seemed to be working ok cool, but just wouldn't keep the vehicle running when hot, but a new pump did. Probably because the old pump just wouldn't push enough fuel to keep it cool.

And...I am almost positive the tank needs to be dropped.

Van