Priming Fuel System After Long Storage - Diagnostic Port Fuel Pump Activation

Fuel Systembeginner✓ OP Confirmed

Problem

After a 1989 Supra sat for approximately 14-15 years, the fuel system was completely drained and rebuilt (new fuel pump, filter, strainer, cleaned tank and lines), but the engine would not start because the fuel lines were empty. The fuel pump only runs when the engine is running, but the engine cannot run without fuel — a catch-22 situation preventing the car from starting.

Engine will not start after fuel system rebuildFuel lines empty/no fuel pressureFuel pump will not activate with just key-onOriginal fuel pump frozen with rust from long-term storage

Root Cause

Empty fuel lines after complete fuel system drain and rebuild. The ECU only powers the fuel pump while the engine is cranking or running, so there is no normal way to prime the fuel system with fuel when the lines are completely dry.

Confidence

High confidence — Original poster confirmed this resolved the issue

View Original Thread →Posted November 2019 on SupraForums.com