How do I check if my fuel pumps are working properly. I have a starting problem where I have to rev the car to start it. The car also shakes after start up for a minute or two.

The fuel pumps in my car are about 2 - 3 years old each. I had this problem before and the mechanic told me this that the fuel pumps were the problem. When I changed the pumps the problem went away and now it is back. The fuel filter is only 2 weeks old.

Help please,

Fab

Can anyone out there help anyone out there???

It's possible you could have a leaky injector or two. The reason I say this is because your starting symptoms indicate a possible flooded condition.

__________________
Richard Wooldridge
'01 ML320
'82 300D 4.3L V6/T700R4 conversion
'82 380SL, '86 560SL engine/trans. installed
'79 450SL, digital servo update
'75 280C

The easiest way to check the pumps is to use an amp meeter. Pull the fuel pump relay out, if it is not aftermarket crap it will say Kickdown on it. Use the meeter to bridge terminals 7 and 8 and read the amp draw. The amp meeter completing the circut. Draw should not exceed 10 amps. Be sure to start the car and read. This doesnt sound like the problem though, when it starts, does it miss on a few cyllinders or not fire up at all and just cranks?

Thanks for all the suggestions. The car will crank and then fire up when I pump the gas and then it shakes for a few minutes (sometimes it will turn off). Most times it takes about a good 15 seconds of cranking and pumping the gas to get it started.

Well, if you are cranking while turning the car over you are most likley fooding it. CIS should not have to have assist in starting. No fuel injection car should have assist in starting. Try not using any pedal to start, it may start faster. I would have a shop or if you have the tools hook a fuel gauge up to the fuel distributor. It sounds like you have a bad fuel accumulator and or check valve. Loosing fuel pressure after shut down. If the pressures are good, check the coolant temp sensor.