FUEL PUMP

[theoldprof]

My 2005 GMC 3500 van has about 130,000 miles on it. By reading several posts I should expect to have to replace my fuel pump at any time. Has anyone had experience with an in-line fuel pump rather than dropping the tank and installing an original equipment fuel pump?
Thanks.

:+ :+

 

[C5BILL]

I am sitting at 170k miles on my 04 Chevy and wondering if there are any pre-event symptons before the fuel pump goes.

 

[Moot]

Prof, an in-line fuel pump would be nice, but I not sure such a critter exists. I would be happy with an in-line fuel filter like the 5.7's had. I would change mine every 30,000 miles.

The only pre-event symptom I had when the fuel pump went out in my 5.7 was increased cranking time before the engine fired. This was gradual, occuring over a two week period. Every time I would start my van it seemed to turn over just a little bit longer before starting.

I shut down at a shipper in Cedar Falls, Iowa. When I came out to move my van to the loading door it would not start. I remember hearing from other drivers that banging on the fuel tank would sometimes help. I wrapped on it with a short length of 2x4, striking the tank with the face of the 2x4. Got in, turned the key and the engine fired up.

I drove 270 miles to Des Plaines, Ill. where I transfered with another driver. Enroute I got gas (engine running) and got food at a drive thru. After transferring I headed for a Chevy dealer about 3 miles away. A few blocks from the terminal where I transfered the engine killed. I banged on the fuel tank but it wouldn't start.

The dealer replaced the fuel pump with one that had a lifetime warranty. Apparently GM finally went with a different vender.

I'm curious as to when the pumps in the 6.0 will fail. I always keep my fuel level above a quarter tank. I guess it's just wait and see.

 

[terryandrene]

I had similar tank banging success as moot, but never noticed the slightly delayed start as a precurser. On each of the two failures on my 2000 Chev, the pump emitted a high pitched squeal for 25,000 miles or so with the sqealing getting louder as the pump neared critical mass and failure.

On one occasion, I had a no-notice failure on the road while loaded. It was not the pump but the electrical connection to the pump harness that is located amidships just aft of the transmission.

 

[Moot]

I found the high pitch whine is an indication of a plugged fuel filter. This causes the pump to work harder. My neighbor had a Jimmy with a 5.7. I noticed the high pitch whine and suggested he replace the fuel filter. That solved the problem.

 

[C5BILL]

It's my understanding that the current GM gas vans do not have fuel filters. If that is correct, I'll start listening for the squeal.

Thanks for the info... BW

 

[tcc53]

Haven't found anywhere to get an electric inline pump due to the high pressure required. Have some 30 lb pumps back from the days of the dual carbs but you need 60 lbs for the 5.7 I have now. I had a hole cut through the floor to be able to access the pump without dropping the tank. Remove 4 screws and you lift out the wooden flooring and peel back the metal flooring and drop a new pump in saving a whole lot on labor costs and towing if it quits out on the road. Don't know about the pump on the 6.0 but have found that the length of time the pump runs after shutting off motor is an indication of the pump condition. Tim

 

[theoldprof]

Wouldn't some of the speed equipment houses have fuel pumps with enough pressure and volume for a 6.0 liter engine? You mention the length of time the pump runs after engine shut off is an indication of the pump condition. Please explain in more detail. Thanks.

:+ :+

 

[FIS53]

My 2000 Chev Van had an inline fuel pump. Just ahead of the tank attached to the frame. It failed at over 400k miles. Changed by mechanic in 15 minutes (it was slightly rusted in place hehehe). We didn't even have to prime it or anything, just turn the key and wait for the fuel. I kept hearing about these in tank pumps and some problems. Once when the truck wouldn't start a tow truck driver was beating my fuel tank and explained that the pumps were a problem and the beating usually made them work for starting the van (I laughed as I knew mine was inline).
Someone should have one available in the US.

 

[tcc53]

Old Prof, Looked online and did find some online electric pumps that should work. Cost around $500.00 and may need a fuel pressure regulator as well to work correctly for use on van. Would still use sender unit in tank for fuel gauge if you went with an inline pump I would assume. Run time after shutting off engine/standing outside next to the fuel fill spout after engine is shut off you will hear the humming sound off the pump as it builds up fuel pressure to enable starting engine again. I have found that as the pump ages the length of time it runs gets shorter. What I have done recently is to have the pump pressure checked after a new fuel filter is installed and changed out the pump as needed to keep it within the higher operating pressure range recommended. Good idea to have pressure checked on a new pump as have had 2 that were defective off the shelf from parts store. Tim