Fuel Pump Change

mkcom1 · May 2, 2011

Hi

Okay so a 05 1500hd crew with 72k with no problems. I use this truck as the family camper hauler and as such travel extended distances a couple times per year. ( spring break was 2500 miles and fall will be 3500 with shorter trips in between) The truck runs great but I am concerned about losing the fuel pump on the road. What is the shelf life on the pump or should I just change it and be done with it. Thanks

rob_rrt · May 2, 2011

I don't know what to tell you. My friend just replaced his on a 2000 Silverado and he had approx. 165,000 on his truck before the pump gave out. My brother's Suburban (2001) had the fuel pump fail at 115,000. It is hard to say how long yours might last.

txab · May 2, 2011

Run it 'till it dies.

nickvrebel · May 3, 2011

there is no mileage to call it "worn out" at. One thing I've always noticed, they seem to last much longer in trucks where the driver refills the tank at 1/4 rather than waiting until it gets empty

Stevens03 · May 3, 2011

there is no mileage to call it "worn out" at. One thing I've always noticed, they seem to last much longer in trucks where the driver refills the tank at 1/4 rather than waiting until it gets empty

+1 I never let my tank go below 1/4 tank. I've always been told to do that since the pump sits in the tank and the fuel keeps it cool.

redvett · May 3, 2011

The returnless system pumps 2004 and later last much longer 150000 or more than the older pumps do.

mkcom1 · May 4, 2011

Thanks for the input. Still not sure what to do. Going on a 3200 mile trip this fall and hate to get stuck in the middle of nowhere. As a rule I fill up when the tank is empty and never heard of the 1/4 rule but it makes perfect sense barring a look at the actual mechanics of the pump. It seems that cooling would be built in to the system with some sort of an internal sump as most people are not going to consistently refuel at 1/4 tank in a truck that gets 12mpg. anyone know if your better off getting the pump oem vs aftermarket. I usually get my stuff from gmpartsdirect. thanks Ken

txab · May 5, 2011

You could replace your pump and have the new one die while on your trip. Quit worrying if you're not having any symptoms.

dave_benn · May 5, 2011

My dad bout a '94 full size blazer new, 2 weeks later the fuel pump went, the next one lasted over 200,000 miles still had it in there when i sold it. It is a gamble either way, I know people that can't keep aftermarket ones in there trucks.

Bob D · May 5, 2011

...I never let my tank go below 1/4 tank. I've always been told to do that since the pump sits in the tank and the fuel keeps it cool.

I don't buy the "gas keeps pump cool" theory. Fuel in the tank is the same temp. as ambient air.

I do believe in the 1/4 tank rationale. Pumps typically prefer head pressure (they have to work less hard).

PS: I've been curious as well as to the OP's query "How long does a fuel pump last & should I change it out at X miles to be on the safe side rather than being stranded in God knows where"

gm4yrs · May 6, 2011

I replaced the fuel pump around 90,000 miles / 10 years old. Fuel gauge was bouncing to empty, then would return to full after gas fill up. Also, had to wait a few seconds to start, like starting a diesel. The sock at the bottom of pump was blacken with small particles, brushes on fuel sender were worn, and wires at top of pump, insulation was exposed.

az'03Silverado · May 6, 2011

I'd go at least to 100,000 miles before worrying about it. That's when mine died.

Garrett Street · May 6, 2011

Mine died at around 180,000 miles. It was the factory fuel pump. The cheap Oreilleys brand POS is already broken, though. The gas gauge doesn't work.

jhm · May 6, 2011

...I never let my tank go below 1/4 tank. I've always been told to do that since the pump sits in the tank and the fuel keeps it cool.

I don't buy the "gas keeps pump cool" theory. Fuel in the tank is the same temp. as ambient air.

I do believe in the 1/4 tank rationale. Pumps typically prefer head pressure (they have to work less hard).

PS: I've been curious as well as to the OP's query "How long does a fuel pump last & should I change it out at X miles to be on the safe side rather than being stranded in God knows where"

Right. The fuel pump is cooled and lubricated by the fuel running thru it. Keeping the tank above 1/4 min is important for keeping condensation out of the fuel which then causes problems with the pump. I was told by a mechanic whom I trust, that after 85k on a GM pump you are on borrowed time. But there are people here who talk about pumps lasting 185k. guess you just need to decide for yourself.

AirForceAngler · May 6, 2011

...I never let my tank go below 1/4 tank. I've always been told to do that since the pump sits in the tank and the fuel keeps it cool.

I don't buy the "gas keeps pump cool" theory. Fuel in the tank is the same temp. as ambient air.

I do believe in the 1/4 tank rationale. Pumps typically prefer head pressure (they have to work less hard).

PS: I've been curious as well as to the OP's query "How long does a fuel pump last & should I change it out at X miles to be on the safe side rather than being stranded in God knows where"

Oh? Don't believe the gas keeps pump cool theory? Try this: first stick your hand in a cooler full of ice water, then stick it in a cooler with just a block of ice in it without contacting the ice. See which one freezes your had first. Air is a poor conductor of thermal energy and when you can have a cooling media (fuel) in direct contact with the heat source (pump), the heat source will cool much more quickly.