Fuel pump problems/replacement

[SweetRide]

I think my fuel pump is going out. Yesterday I had fuel pressure of 0 and my car wouldn't start. I tried another time or two and saw that the pressure gauge went up to 16. I was then able to start it and the pressure went up to 34. Is this my fuel pump failing or could it possibly be something else? If I need to replace the fuel pump then what is recommended? Is the Airtex Master fuel pump from AutoZone OK, or should I get something else?

Thanks for any help.
(I have a 1996 Impala SS with 60,000+ miles)

[Gregg-O]

Mine did the same thing a few months ago. No problem since I did the pump. might be the filter, but I doubt it if you saw zero pressure. I used the Airtex, haven't had a problem yet.

[rfraboni]

When my wagon did something similar issue, it also burned up, I really mean the plastic was black and melted, the connection where the pump connects to the sender. The old pump started drawing too much and was creating to much heat.

I took no chances and ended up replacing the sender as well. I used a pump advanced auto parts, nothing special just a replacement pump, and it has worked well .

[SweetRide]

Thanks for the replies. On the NAPA web site it recommended to also replace the wiring harness. Is this also a good idea?

[Mr pogo]

need to replace the sock for warranty coverage on the pump, the replacement wiring harness is smaller gauge than the original so idk.
I replaced my fuel pump in june with a delphi from napa but soldered/cleaned the harness terminals and reused it.

[Dan Fahey]

Add a Walbo High olumn Fuel Pump.
Works great except that the Stock Fuel Pressure Regulator will fail.
AND with interesting results.

My Fuel System would shut down after 2 hours of cruising.
Resort to bucking and backfiring.
Then the Engine Light would go on and the engine smooth out.
Then go out and start bucking and cycle back to Closed loop.

Today I replaced the stock Fuel Pressure Regulator with a Adjustable version with a Pressure Dial.

Like the Fuel Pressure test of a few days before.
The Fuel Pressure was registering 70psi.
The engine scan showed the Right Bank O2 sensor showing lean.
The injectors on that side of the engine shut down.

AT any rate that is my report

Dan



Lowered the pressure to 39psi and the car began to adjust.
Took a few miles to get the car to idle smooth.

[SweetRide]

Does anybody have any tips or advice for changing the fuel pump? Do I need any special tools or just get the tank as empty as possible and get to work? I've changed oil but that's about it so any advice/tips would be appreciated.

[SweetRide]

I forgot to say that I have the new fuel pump, fuel pump strainer, wiring harness, and fuel filter.

[5-mileBalla]

You'll need the line disconnect tools. I'll have to give you the name and such whenever I get back home.

Haborfrieght has them though.

Depending on how much gas you have in the tank you'll need to siphon. Tipping the tank and letting it drain out won't work so if you don't want a mouth/face full of gas like I had have someone that can do this or a siphon pump which is only a siphon hose with a little hand pump on the end.

Changinger the filter is easy. Its on the driver side along the frame. I can't remember where but its along the frame so look and feel for that big coke can filter.

Gotta take the exhaust heat sheilds off then the straps. I recommend having someone helping you out when you drop the tank though!

I just did this and the airtex works great!

OH YEA TEST THE PUMP BEFORE YOU PUT EVERYTHING BACK BECAUSE TAKING EVERYTHING DOWN AGAIN JUST TO SEE WHAT'S WRONG IS SOMETHING THAT WILL PISS YOU OFF! JUST LISTEN FOR THE SOUND OF THE PUMP PRIMING AND THEM BAM THERE YOU GO.

[tI2ouI3LeSoIVIe]

Walbro Pump is what I replaced mine with, I researched for a while and kept coming back to the Walbro Hi-Flow and I've never had a problem without changing my fuel pressure regulator. Happy with it, just be careful and take it to a good shop, they can break the sending unit in your fuel tank if they're not careful and that'll cost a pretty penny to replace. If you're doing it yourself, the sending unit is the mechanism in the fuel tank that tells your gas gauge how much is left, GM uses pathetically thin plastic and it breaks VERY EASY.