Gary Early

Heard today from my shop technicians that they are suddenly seeing an increased level of fuel pump problems in first generation LSs. They said up until recently, they hardly saw ANY fuel pump problems. They have replaced 10 pumps in the last month or so.

They are speculating that the Texas move to 10% ethanol may be causing it, but it is only speculation--nothing firm. Could be that they are just wearing out, but is suspicious. Or, maybe the ethanol just accelerates the "normal" wear and tear on seals, etc? Who knows.....?

The symptom they told me to watch for is severe throttle hesitation and stuttering, then, after depressing the accelerator pedal more fully, the pump goes into second speed mode and the car suddenly lurches forward quickly. I asked them if it ever dies completely and leaves you sitting on the road, and they said they haven't seen a case of complete failure yet.

Any first gen LS400 owners experiencing this? So far my '93 LS is OK, but I always use 93 octane gas, which may (or may not...) be a factor too.