Can a bad fuel pump cause my car to sputter, backfire, and stall?

Question

My car (1998 Monte Carlo LS) for the past month has been having a problem that I'm still not quite sure what it is. It goes away for about three weeks and then comes back. It started after I spun out into a snow drift. I was pulled out and after about 20 minutes of driving the engine started surging really bad, and started backfiring. The RPM's were shooting all over the place all the way from 5000 to almost stalling out at 500. Then it will just die. I'll have to sit for about 7 or 10 minutes and then the car will drive fine for about another thirty seconds.

Another thing is when it starts sputtering and stuff I put my foot to the floor and it starts sputtering real bad, but doesn't die unless I let my foot off the gas. Then i have to sit for a little while again before the car starts.

My car doesn't have a carb, its fuel injected...

And the car has brand new alternator, starter, spark plugs, spark plug wires, and fuel filter...maybe three weeks old.

I forgot to mention that whenever this happens I check my oil and its really low, could oil pressure have anthing to do with fuel pressure?-

Answer 1

Change your fuel filter now! It is relatively inexpensive and is a good first step.If that does not work I would check the car's timing and also look for any dead shorts in the wiring----

Answer 2

This can be caused by a number of the following singularly or individually. A bad carb, contaminated fuel, tune up needs,timing being off, or fuel injectors.

Answer 3

I'd put my buck on a timing sprocket tooth thats chiped or broken off! If you know hox to turn a wrench pull the timing belt cover off, Its free to check, Buy a timing gun at Wally world, If timings o.k., take the damn gun back for a refund.

Answer 4

Get your fuel injectors cleaned out and or vapor lock in your carb.