Blasted Fuel Pump

[Andrew Tilson]

I have a nasty problem, I have replaced the fuel pump twice in the last 2 months now. it works great for a week or two, and then the pressure drops and the car runs badly all over again.
The pump is lifetime warrantied through autozone so I can just get another one, but any ideas what could **** a new pump this quickly?

hehe I am getting really good at changing the thing too, last time took just over an hour

 

[shojuan]

Did you cut a door to access your pump or are you able to change it in an hour by dropping the tank?

Rick

 

[Andrew Tilson]

dropping the tank, takes so mch less time now mostly because the bolts are not all rusty like they were the first time

starting to wish I had just cut a hole....

<small>[ October 15, 2002, 03:59 AM: Message edited by: Andrew Tilson ]</small>

 

[shojuan]

I've never changed the fuel pump in my 89 and I'd like to do it one of these days. Would it be straightforward for me to cut a hole to get the pump out the first time or am I going to need to drop the tank the first time I change the pump?

Rick

 

[Andrew Tilson]

it doesn't look to difficult to cut the hole, but I would seriously just do it the old fashioned way the first time at least, and in the process if you want to cut the hole, then at least all the fuel lines and things are out of your way so you don't cut one. hardest part of the job was wrestling with the rusty bolts the first time. that and wrestling the tank back up into place.

anyone know what can **** a pump like this?
or should this be a lesson to not buy an autozone fuel pump?

 

[ACV1081]

My buddy went through one in about the same time... 2 months but it's from O'Reilys. Could be the same brand who knows, but I get to help him drop the tank again since I said "oh no need to cut a hole, we won't be doing this again for a long ass time." Boy how I wish I wouldn't have said that. I'd also like to know what could cause such a short lived fuel pump. Anyone know?

 

[91 SHOplus]

Not to sound like a smart-ass, but do run your tank low, often? From what I've read, The gasoline itself works like a coolant just like the coolant in our radiators. If you regularly run below 1/4-1/8 before fill ups, you could be overheating the pump.

No, gas; No coolant = SHO BOOM. thumbs_u

 

[Andrew Tilson]

you know what? now that you mention it I did run it quite low....hmm.. good idea thanks

 

[fricker66]

I'd agree with the running on low fuel only shortens the pump's life. However, I don't believe the pump will 'burn up' that quick do to the tank being low. Something else is causing the short life of the pump. Perhaps it's time to switch makes of the replacements.

FWIW, I replaced mine almost a year ago and now have around 10k on the replacement. I'd just be curious if you are getting a quality replacement?

 

[Andrew Tilson]

The pump I have is a "Master" pump, it is lifetime warrantied, so I figured it was a good buy, didn't realize I would actually have to use the warranty on it so soon hehe

what does everyone else have?

 

[ShoBad236]

I've heard a clogged fuel filter can cause the pump to overwork itself.. having to work more to get the fuel through, or junk in the bottom of the tank me be gettign sucked up, do you get your gas from the same place all the time??

 

[Andrew Tilson]

I've replaced the filter every time and the tank looks nice and clean inside so I don't think that is it. I don't know will try another one tonight, might as well it is free after all hehe let you know how it turns out

 

[Kevin Airth]

I have not heard of that brand. Get a Walbro hi flow unit. They are pretty cheap at $83. I have the 190 LPH one and it's quiet. Take a look:
http://www.autoperformanceengineering.com/
.
.

 

[93MTXSHO]

Hey guys, I'm not trying to act like a smartass, but I have an honest question. If my stock pump lasted 197K, and was still working when I took it out, why wouldn't you replace it with the same thing? Sure you can save a few bucks, like 85-90 vs. 150+/-, but is it worth all the aggrivation of having to replace the pump so often? 3 times in 2 months is ridiculous. I say screw that Master crap and go get the Motorcraft. BTW, I always wait till after the low fuel light comes on to fill up. In 14 fleet and personal Fords and collectively over a million miles, my dad has only ever had one fuel pump fail. Kind of speaks of the quality, doesn't it?