Fuel Pump Failure Questions.

challenderw · June 20, 2010

Hey everybody!

First time i've posted on your fourm, however its helped me out countless times...

Ive got a question for you guys about fuel pumps.

I have a 2000 Silverado 4.8L, with 260k + and needed to get it inspected, so I got my code reader out and had to deal with the p0332 knock sensor code (ses light had been on forever but never had any problems but the light has to be off for inspection) when i got done with this, everything was great had power back! but it threw a code for the evap vent valve, so i went under and wrestled it out, cleaned it and threw it back in (as i know the nightmare on that one, so i just wanted see if that would take care of it), then the truck wouldnt start. I noticed i didnt hear the Fuel pump kick on, so i went down my check list

Fuel pump relay, replaced. (it was good, but a cheap part, so i didnt mind)

ECM B fuse good.

Fuel gauge working. (i know it doesnt matter)

Im about to get out there with my MM and start seeing what voltages ive got at the pump.

so just short of getting the rubber mallet out to wack the bottom to see, im going to assume its shot.

What sucks about this is 3 months ago while on a road trip, 6 hours into a 18 hour ride the fuel pump died on the interstate, and i had to get a mechanic in VA to replace it. so im curious what you guys think. I made sure the mechanic put a new fuel filter in at replacement, and he changed out the connector. I told the mechanic it was cool for him take the bed off as its eaiser i didnt want to be there all day. What i found is he had to drop the tank because he striped a bed bolt, cut the groud strap for the filler neck, and left what looks like a vent tube dangling. so theres no telling whats going on with the pump.

This may be fuel pump number 3 for my truck. Id like to remedy common issues while im down there. I change the fuel filter every 3rd oil change (recommed by a mechanic because enthol based gas and water content - i dont know if its bs or not) and i try not to let it go beyond 1/4 tank, but i am bad about filling it to the max (this the vent valve issue)

My plan is to get the bed off (drill the head of the bad bolt off) and check the connections to see if something got messed up getting the vent valve off.

If the pumps bad, im going to call the mechanic that did it 5 states away (to the tune of 700 bucks, highway prices!), i know he got it through napa and see what i can do about getting a warranty replacement. as so far i seem to get atleast 60-80k out a a fuel pump, not 5k

what do you guys think am i missing something? or seem to be on the right track?

Im an aircaft mechanic by trade, not an auto mechanic so im turning to you guys, ive done all the mx on my truck, and this wont be any different.

az'03Silverado · June 20, 2010

Welcome! It's good to know there's a fellow aircraft mechanic on the forum. It sounds like you're on the right track troubleshooting-wise. It sucks that you're having the same problem so soon after puting so much money into it. It sounds like the mech just got in a hurry and was a little sloppy in his work. Hopefully it's just a loose connection or something simple.

BTW-what types do you work on? General? Corporate? Airline? I'm in GA working on Bonanzas and Warriors for flight school here in AZ.

challenderw · June 20, 2010

It's nice to see a fellow AC MX !

I used to be a contractor, I worked heavy widebody lines (TIMCO, PEMCO type deals) but ended up at embraer on the (then) new 190's and legacy's. Finnally settled for the past few years in Delaware working VIP 737's. Ive worked a few GA planes, there a lot more fun than working commerical or VIP. (you get to do it all just not a&p work, structures, or interiors)

challenderw · June 20, 2010

also, just fyi...

The truck showed no signs of a bad fuel pump what-so-ever. last time it wouldnt start on the first try (had to turn key to on 2 or three times) and before that sluggish then died.

ive got to get a decent drill bit in the am (everythings closed) to get the bed off, I have no desire to drop the tank, thanks everyone

Z45 · June 21, 2010

Most after market fuel pumps come from China. If you bought it at NAPA, it came from China. I don't care what the brand name was, what was inside the box came from China and it the same from brand to brand. A friend went thru several fuel pumps in a few months. I harped on him, buy the AC Delco but all he did was complain it costs to much and returned the bad one for a new one of the same. One am he was driving to work (60 miles) and at 5 am the fuel pump died a day after it was put in. This time he was po'd and insisted on a AC Delco, he never had another problem. I asked a manager at local auto value why no US made pumps, he said no one makes them except for the OEM's. Everything comes from China because everyone wants it cheap.

Buy an AC Delco, replace all the Chinese made parts and your problems with fuel pumps will be over.

Also, Always disconnect the battery when working on electrical. Many never do this and risk component failure.

challenderw · June 21, 2010

just an update, dropped the tank.

Tank is clean, fuel strainer looks fantastic, and am getting good voltage readings at the pump.

im going to chaulk it up to a defective pump.

Called napa and found that i can get it replaced for free, so..its free and ill take it. Weighing the options, the truck being as high mileage as it is, if i get enough to see her roll to 300 ill be more than happy. And seeing how shes coming to the end of her economical life, its a no brainer. I know i'll buy another silverado for sure.

thanks everyone for the help. should be up and running tomorrow afternoon.

and doing it usually by taking the bed off, i actually prefer to drop the tank (gas siphoned out). i think its just how you look at it.

ColoradoSkiCountry · June 21, 2010

Not sure where you pulled that BS out of, but every NAPA pump I've come across has been made right here in the good old USA. All the NAPA products are designed to meet and most of the time, exceed OEM quality and reliability.

Most after market fuel pumps come from China. If you bought it at NAPA, it came from China. I don't care what the brand name was, what was inside the box came from China and it the same from brand to brand. A friend went thru several fuel pumps in a few months. I harped on him, buy the AC Delco but all he did was complain it costs to much and returned the bad one for a new one of the same. One am he was driving to work (60 miles) and at 5 am the fuel pump died a day after it was put in. This time he was po'd and insisted on a AC Delco, he never had another problem. I asked a manager at local auto value why no US made pumps, he said no one makes them except for the OEM's. Everything comes from China because everyone wants it cheap.

Buy an AC Delco, replace all the Chinese made parts and your problems with fuel pumps will be over.

Also, Always disconnect the battery when working on electrical. Many never do this and risk component failure.

challenderw · June 22, 2010

Pump bought at "napa" made by "carter" --> owned by "federal-mogul"

from carter's website

But if you need even more reasons to trust Carter, consider the fact that Carter fuel pumps are manufactured in the USA, in a plant that is TS 16949 certified – the absolute latest in OE quality certification. This dedication to excellence, combined with in-depth OE experience, gives you fuel pumps you know you can count on

website actually has good troubleshooting help. even shows how to do a voltage drop down test. worth a look IMO

az'03Silverado · June 22, 2010

Glad you're getting her fixed up. 300 grand would be a good milestone! I hope my '03 lasts that long.

jblakeney · June 22, 2010

Most after market fuel pumps come from China. If you bought it at NAPA, it came from China. I don't care what the brand name was, what was inside the box came from China and it the same from brand to brand. A friend went thru several fuel pumps in a few months. I harped on him, buy the AC Delco but all he did was complain it costs to much and returned the bad one for a new one of the same. One am he was driving to work (60 miles) and at 5 am the fuel pump died a day after it was put in. This time he was po'd and insisted on a AC Delco, he never had another problem. I asked a manager at local auto value why no US made pumps, he said no one makes them except for the OEM's. Everything comes from China because everyone wants it cheap.

Buy an AC Delco, replace all the Chinese made parts and your problems with fuel pumps will be over.

Also, Always disconnect the battery when working on electrical. Many never do this and risk component failure.

I walked to the back of MY NAPA STORE. I have some Carter pumps left in stock, every one I pulled said MADE in USA on the pumps and box. The Airtex ones are made in USA.

Don't forget NAPA has Delphi (which is the same part that is in the AC Delco & Genuine GM box)!

Jbo

challenderw · June 22, 2010

got the new pump in hand, The parts guy said that napa is moving away from carter and going with "airtex" So the new pump is airtex, Says made in USA on the tag. the connector says made in mexico

its 20 dollars cheaper on the invoice (263$ w evap 241 w/o evap). i did notice some small differences.

The three rods that go down from the top dont have the spring around them, its contained in the base.

the bottom of the pump has three rubber stops where the carter had three plastic extensions and rubber.

and the strainer isnt what the carter was (still seems more than decent)

had to spend all day getting a new one under warranty, but the 20 in gas was worth it.

challenderw · June 23, 2010

had voltage at the pump, threw the pump in, and nothing, im about to kick this thing, i thing i have a ranom intermitten short somewhere

challenderw · June 23, 2010

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to G403, and G302. This contains the fuel grounds, and the fuel filter ground. I started chasing down all the stupid things I could think, and while checking this ground i found it broken, i figure it was about toast, and then when i got the tank back up it gave way. you can see the terminal ring broken. Think i found the problem!