Another wont start thread (searched - cant find much)

[Desibabu345]

Hey guys,
Today afternoon I went out to drive my car and tried to start it (95 Eclipse GS 5spd) and it wouldn't start. It would turn over, I could hear it cranking, making a lot of sound, and the pullies were turning (had a friend watch). After searching and reading up I narrowed it down to just fuel delivery. (It is sparking I can hear it, battery is fine, alt. dunno). But I noticed that when I turn my car to the ON position I can no longer hear my fuel pump priming the lines. I used to be able to hear a slight hum. So I'm guessing thats the problem. My question is how I should go about fixing this. I can't find any blown fuses (I don't know which fuse to look for but all that I checked are fine). I am reluctant to assume my fuel pump is just dead. I haven't changed the fuel filter yet (56k miles). The spark plugs are fine (I checked them and the cylinders are dry as well). Basically I'm trying to know if there is any way to check if my fuel pump is dead or if theres an electrical short (I do not have a voltmeter =\). Do any of you guys have any way of fixing this? I'm going to wait until tomorrow evening to take things apart as afternoons are ridiculously hot here and I have class in the mornings. Thanks a lot in advance - I do hope I can fix this myself.
Sid

 

[mitsutuner]

Replace the filter first & see what happens.
How's the weather where you are? On a hot day, the sludge that has accumulated in a marginally functional fuel filter will become more liquified when it's hot & later the same day or next morning, the sludge will have hardened into a solid plug in the filter.

 

[Desibabu345]

It's ridiculously hot here, no chance of it hardening up. Although I will take the advice and do that this weekend. But do you have any opinions on the fuel pump just not turning on?
Sid

 

[mitsutuner]

The fp is driven by the ECU, has it's own fuse & possibly a relay, you can diagnose by checking for 12 volts at the fuel pump with a test light or voltmeter. Doesn't seem like your pump would go bad at 56k. Your filter is due for replacement, can only hold so much sludge.
Pretty sure the fp won't run if the filter is clogged because it is sensing full fuel pressure between the fp & the filter.
ya, R&R the filter first, bec even if you end up replacing the pump, you'll still want a new filter so your pump doesn't have to work so hard to push fuel thru a dirty filter.
And, there should be a sediment filter for fuel before it enters the pump, usually a screen attached to the inlet end of the pump.