Changing Fuel Pump Sending Unit

MountaineerTom · November 12, 2003

Part Two

Once the tank is off, it’s a good time to look around in that area to see if there are any other problems that may need to be addressed.

Before removing the fuel pump, be sure to clean off all the junk that has collected around it.

Replacing the float and sending unit is fairly simple. Just pay attention to how the old parts are removed, and install the new parts in reverse order. Be sure to get the wiring routed correctly and install the new seal that comes with the kit. The sock filter on the bottom of the pump was just a little bit clogged, so we made a trip to the auto parts store to get a new one. Luckily they had one that would match up.

While we had the tank off, we siphoned what fuel was in there and cleaned out the tank really well.

The installation is basically just a reverse of the removal. Be prepared to take quite a bit of time for this project. It took much longer that I expected. Somewhere around 8-9 hours, but that’s including several little problems, lunch, and making a trip to the parts store for a new sock filter for the bottom of the pump. In comparison, we changed the sending unit in my sister-in-law’s Dodge Neon right after, and it took about 1 ½ hours total.

BlackTaz · December 7, 2003

THANKS Mountaineer Tom! I've been considering this job for my 99 Yukon. All of the information, and especially the pictures, are really helpful. Thanks for taking the time to post your story

Roktman · March 11, 2004

Hey Guys ,I am on the 4 th fuel pump in 3 years,yesterday switching to a Walbro.I have heard Gm pumps are crap.I suppose that this is true.I do have a supercharger kit on it .A twin screw Whipple on my Denali.

I have a Walbro on my supercharged 96 Impala SS and no problems. It pushes WAY more HP than the Denali.

Any experience along these lines?

Cowking01 · March 22, 2004

My fuel gage doesnt work. It always tells me my tank is full or close to full. Will replacing the sending unit possibly fix this? Anyone know?

MountaineerTom · March 22, 2004

No problem BlackTaz.

Roktman, I have no experience with Walbro pumps.

Cowking01,

It's a very good chance that replacing your sending unit will fix that. That's what we went with on Elwood's Blazer. He was having intermittent reading, or the gauge was not working at all.

It could be you intrument cluster or fuel gauge itself, but I've never known anyone to have a problem with them, gauge-wise.