1992 GMC Sonoma ran out of gas now won't start

Ldodge65 · May 30, 2022

I have a 1992 Sonoma. My brother ran it out of fuel. We put gas in it and it turned over, then died. I can hear the fuel pump working and it's turning over, but it won't start. We replaced the fuel filter. Is it possible that the injectors are clogged, or stuck open/shut? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Edited May 30, 2022 by Ldodge65

dna9656 · May 31, 2022

The fuel is also the pump coolant; my first guess would be due to the lack of fuel to cool the pump and associated parts some thing melted and now won't allow fuel to pass or you burned up the pump motor.

Spiney Norman · May 31, 2022

I know this seems elementary but have you verified you have a spark? Could you loosen a fuel line connection and verify you're getting fuel at the engine ?

Niners 365 · June 1, 2022

Both DNA9656 and Spiney Norman's inputs are great points. If you havent got one, I would get a spark tester and check to see if your getting spark on all cylinders. Try spraying in some starting fluid, if it fires but dies seconds later, then I would say your pump has either gone out, or locked in place.

I have heard some folks have pulled thier pump, and moved the fuel plunger, and it started working correctly again. But if your not getting fuel to the spider correctly, it will keep doing the same. I had to replace my fuel pump at 135000. It was doing same, firing and dying.

Note if you do decide to replace pump, take off the bed, it is alot easier. Couple videos on Youtube..

dna9656 · June 7, 2022

Taking off the bed cause it's easier... ain't that the truth!

Niners 365 · June 7, 2022

18 minutes ago, dna9656 said:

Taking off the bed cause it's easier... ain't that the truth!

It was for me. 6 bolts, jack up bed, block it up. Change out pumps.

dna9656 · July 8, 2022

Also the truck was run dry without clogged fuel filter/injector symptoms prior to the no gas in the tank incident so I doubt those are an issue. I did it on a Avalanche (no bed to remove) it would have been nice if GM put an access under the rear seat to change/service the fuel pump/filter assembly.