Fuel pump died

Lazarus Long · March 29, 2015

The fuel pump in my 97 Tahoe just died, of course just after filling up. I've been reading that this is a known issue. This will be its second replacement. Is there anything I can do to prevent future failures?

02suburbanZ71 · March 29, 2015

Keep the fuel pump cool and keep lots of gas in

Lazarus Long · March 29, 2015

Keep the fuel pump cool and keep lots of gas in

I try to remember to fill up when I get down to a 1/8 to 1/4 tank or so instead of waiting for it to hit E. I started doing this after the first pump died. The tank is 30 gallons, usually put in around 24.

02suburbanZ71 · March 29, 2015

I try to remember to fill up when I get down to a 1/8 to 1/4 tank or so instead of waiting for it to hit E. I started doing this after the first pump died. The tank is 30 gallons, usually put in around 24.

Was your last pump ac delco?

seansharley · March 29, 2015

Keeping up on the filters is also important, as they get old, they can restrict flow.

Lazarus Long · March 29, 2015

Was your last pump ac delco?

I don't remember. It was done at an independent shop, I think they used GM parts. I used them for years, they do good work.

Lazarus Long · March 31, 2015

Got my Tahoe back and it runs again. However, now it may have a fuel gauge problem. The shop says it is 'slow'. I need to drive it a bit and watch it, but now when off the gauge drops to E very slowly. When started it goes back to F. The tank was full when I took it in, I don't know if it still is. The guy that did the work wasn't there when I picked it up, I need to call today and find out what he thinks it is doing.

02suburbanZ71 · March 31, 2015

Got my Tahoe back and it runs again. However, now it may have a fuel gauge problem. The shop says it is 'slow'. I need to drive it a bit and watch it, but now when off the gauge drops to E very slowly. When started it goes back to F. The tank was full when I took it in, I don't know if it still is. The guy that did the work wasn't there when I picked it up, I need to call today and find out what he thinks it is doing.

Did you replace the floater too?

BigBadSierra · March 31, 2015

Fuel pumps and the ECM tend to only last 10 years.

My dad has a 2004 Colorado and the ECM went at exactly ten years... The capcitors dry out in them

Told him the fuel pump will go next..

Of course this varies but it seems to be 10 years to me.

Lazarus Long · March 31, 2015

Did you replace the floater too?

I talked to him today. They did not replace the floater. He said the sender tested ok, so they didn't do anything.

The tank is full, he said they restored all of the gas they took out, minus maybe a 1/2 gallon. It was nearly full when it went in, so it is apparently still nearly full.

He was concerned because when they put the gas back in, it was showing 1/2 a tank. When I picked it up it was showing full.

He wants me to monitor the gauge. When the trip gets to 180 to 200 miles, the gauge should show 1/2 full. If it doesn't, then I have a problem.

Lazarus Long · March 31, 2015

Fuel pumps and the ECM tend to only last 10 years.

My dad has a 2004 Colorado and the ECM went at exactly ten years... The capcitors dry out in them

Told him the fuel pump will go next..

Of course this varies but it seems to be 10 years to me.

I'm not sure about 10 lifespan on the ECM. Mine has been fine, it is about to reach its 18th birthday.

I also have a 98 Corvette, I keep reading that the EBCM is failure prone. This is a problem if it goes, as they have been unobtanium for several years now. Mine is still working.

I've read that my 97 Tahoe has the same potential issue with the ABS, it is still working fine.

The real problem isn't the capacitors, but the lead free solder that was mandated about that time. Lead free solder doesn't flow properly and results in cold solder joints, which can eventually fail. Thanks, EPA.

BigBadSierra · April 1, 2015

I'm not sure about 10 lifespan on the ECM. Mine has been fine, it is about to reach its 18th birthday.

I also have a 98 Corvette, I keep reading that the EBCM is failure prone. This is a problem if it goes, as they have been unobtanium for several years now. Mine is still working.

I've read that my 97 Tahoe has the same potential issue with the ABS, it is still working fine.

The real problem isn't the capacitors, but the lead free solder that was mandated about that time. Lead free solder doesn't flow properly and results in cold solder joints, which can eventually fail. Thanks, EPA.

10 years to me is just an average it varies on how the vehicle is used. My fathers 2004 Colorado just lost the ECU two weeks ago. So 11 years for him.

I've actually just replaced the CAPs in a few ECU's it's a hack job but it can be done. They are usually sealed so you have to cut them apart then epoxy them back to together. Eagal Talons were famous for this.