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Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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kmccune
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Mar 3, 2009, 2:19 PM
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Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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I have a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. I first had the Fuel Pump replaced in 04/06. In 07/07 had Fuel Pump replaced again. Now 03/09 I just had the fuel pump replaced again. All work by same repair shop. I first took the truck in Dec 08 and they couldn't diagnose the problem. I bring it back and they still can't diagnose. I bring it back again and finally they tell me it's the fuel pump again! Same problem 3 times in just under 4 years!!! Something is just not right. The repair has already been done, but I haven't paid the current bill yet and I'm not sure I should. What do you think? Is this shop doing something wrong, is this common, could I be doing something to cause this???? Please help.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 3, 2009, 3:24 PM
Post #2 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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What is the fuel pump pressure reading? How is it you are still driving this if it failed?
If it runs but poorly and this is suspect you would be testing for pressure, wiring connections especially at the fuel pump underside, fuel pump relay, pressure regulator problems and more. Plain replace fuel filter every year at least!
GMs are fussy about being within range on pressure. If you are in the habit of running this low on fuel that too is very hard on fuel pumps. Keep it 1/4 full or better keeps fuel pump cooler and they last longer,
T
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Mar 3, 2009, 3:53 PM
Post #3 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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Agree with Tom, 100%.. Do you know what brand pumps they are using? We only use GM pumps on GMs. I'm not taking sides, but your shop doesn't make the fuel pumps and can only warrantee them as the manufacturer allows, which is one year on factory GM parts. These applications are very high pressure and for some reason, they just don't hold up like back in the old days. Some models do have 'updated' connector and/or harness'. The catalog listing should mention if required. I doubt that there is any, but I'll check for any TSBs and reply again if I find any.
As for diagnosing; BTDT. If it isn't acting up when doing the diagnosis, it's really tough to determine 100% the problem. Of course, from experience, we can be pretty darned sure just from the symptoms, but you don't want to throw a $500.00 fuel pump at one unless you are dead certain that's it. And, these GMs are like that. They'll start fine 100 times. Then, once the customer takes it, bammm. Generally, a shock to the fuel tank will light them up, but getting it to do it....
I know that you are upset, disappointed, ect., but you do need to pay for the work done.
Loren
SW Washington
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kmccune
Novice
Mar 3, 2009, 4:31 PM
Post #4 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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The last two times the pumped failed we couldn't drive it... it became harder and harder to start until it finally wouldn't. This time we noticed it hesitating especially around 55-60 mph. But more importantly when we tried to accelerate (like to pass someone) it wouldn't go. It would bottom out at 3000 rpm's with full acceleration. No check engine light or anything on until we took it to get looked at. The mechanic spent many hours trying to figure out what was wrong with it. He did pressure tests, etc... My husband said he lets it get to empty before he refills the tanks so maybe that's part of our problem. Thanks for the tip about keeping it atleast a 1/4 full... didn't realize we should do that.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Mar 3, 2009, 4:42 PM
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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Hmmm. Not so sure this is a pump problem. Plugged filter, maybe? Exhaust restriction, maybe?
>> The last two times the pumped failed we couldn't drive it... it became harder and harder to start until it finally wouldn't.<< That is classic Vortec fuel pump symptoms. By cycling the ignition several times, the fuel pressure will usually build enough to get them to start, or a shock to the tank. As Tom mentioned, these pumps are immersed in fuel. They depend on that fuel to keep them cool. Running the tank low and/or constantly pushing against a restricted filter will burn them up.
Loren
SW Washington
(This post was edited by Loren Champlain Sr on Mar 3, 2009, 4:43 PM)
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kmccune
Novice
Mar 3, 2009, 4:43 PM
Post #6 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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The first time he replaced it he didn't us OEM parts, I requested that he did. He doesn't over charge and in general I think he is a honest/fair mechanic. I just started to get concerned with the fact that we keep replacing the same thing.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Mar 3, 2009, 4:44 PM
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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Can't blame you. Completely understandable.
Loren
SW Washington
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kmccune
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Mar 3, 2009, 4:48 PM
Post #8 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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We were still having the same problem after replacing the fuel filter and cleaning the system. He also thought it might be an exhaust issue and checked that.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Mar 3, 2009, 4:52 PM
Post #9 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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Just for grins, how did he check the exhaust? And, what kind of reading did he get? I'm assuming that there are no trouble codes and no 'check engine lamp'?
Loren
SW Washington
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Mar 3, 2009, 10:37 PM
Post #10 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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GM has their fair share of fuel & connector problems. Looks like you already have some good advise going on here, so I'll toss in my 2 cents for what it's worth.
3 pumps in 4 years is way too much. I'm sure your shop must of changed the connector every time, with GM's prob with connectors they'd be crazy not to. Brands are another issue. An OE pump should've be used at some point.
I don't like to knock shops or techs and with no symptoms, data stream info, pressures, fuel trims, etc it's really hard to come up with a good answer.
It sounds like you have a good relationship with this shop & shouldn't totally end it over this. Just realize this, all shops aren't tooled or trained to handle some of the more complex diags. This one doesn't sound like a typical GM fuel pump/ connector pattern failure. You might be better off taking it to the dealer or a well tooled Indy the next time it acts up, tell them the complete history like you have here & get a different spin on it. GM does have it's probs with fuel pumps & connectors but it sounds like something else in the circuit is causing this pump failure ( that is assuming the connect has been changed, if not then that could very well be your problem)
I know you don't what to spend $100 to $150 more on a prob you've already spent some good $$$ on but in the long run it may be money well spent to solve this prob & keep a good relationship with a shop you trust & deal with to keep on taking care of most of your needs....
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kmccune
Novice
Mar 4, 2009, 5:04 AM
Post #11 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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Thanks for the advise. I will double check with him today on the connector when I pick it up. I assume he didn't because the only parts listed are the fuel pump and filter.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 4, 2009, 6:41 AM
Post #12 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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Quick glance for parts aftermarket didn't show the wires so guess is they are GM only. This one suggest getting the harness right on it's ad!
See below listing found...
  
About this product: Part Number: E3622S Weight: 2.9 lbs. Warranty: 1 YR Note: Includes fuel pump, sender assembly, and strainer. Wiring harness replacement recommended. Drop fuel tank and clean before replacing fuel pump. Pricing: $242.99
*******
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kmccune
Novice
Mar 4, 2009, 6:45 AM
Post #13 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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Is the $242 for the wiring harness or the Fuel pump, sender assembly and strainer?. If I find he's replaced the pump and NOT the wiring harness, then what?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 4, 2009, 7:24 AM
Post #14 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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That's aftermarket with pump, gauge and strainer only. The OE part may come with harness and would cost lots more from GM.
That price and pics came from AutoZone's parts site. I didn't create it nor have anything to do with any parts sites and can't find GM OE pricing so don't know.
Rough guess is ~$400 for the GM stuff altogether. Sure seems from others that going OE is the only way with the GM pumps.
Dealers and independants use aftermarket or OE parts as they see fit. Parts get marked up to the full retail price so what you see out there is pricing if you are doing it yourself and the parts place isn't responsible for doing it over again it their part fails. Shops take that risk and mark up to retail which is like insurance for that - and part of the profits of the biz - no secret about that.
Dealer parts don't come with as good a discount for independants so there's more incentive to use good aftermarket parts but not if you keep getting stuck replacing junky parts!
More on parts and costs: Some dealer will deliver to the independant shops and some don't so it can take up a tech's time to chase parts which isn't time efficient for the shops. Most all aftermarket parts outlets deliver - just so you know.
It's a bummer to have done this so many times for sure. That isn't making YOU or the shop happy - trust me!
T
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Anonymous Poster
Mar 4, 2009, 12:14 PM
Post #15 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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Just a quick note in addition to the other info.
Most aftermarket pump assemblies come with the new 4 wire connector, butt connectors & heat shrink. So you probably won't notice a single line for the connector part # on your invoice.
It's that common of a prob..... I would be very surprised if it hasn't been changed.....
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
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Mar 4, 2009, 4:06 PM
Post #16 of 16
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Re: Fuel Pump replaced 3x in less than 4 years on 97 Chevy Silverado
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kmccune; Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you....
I was thinking all along, that the fuel pump replacement would be the entire module/pump assembly. I was wrong. I found that the fuel pump is sold seperately, $161.00 from GM. Now....There is a TSB on one certain type connector. If this has a square, four pin connector, TSB #04-06-04-088C (dated 08/24/06) says to replace the connector due to a voltage drop across the module causing multiple pump failure. The part # for the replacement connector is (GM #88988598) . On the other hand, if it has a rectangular connnector ( all four pins in a row) this TSB does not apply.
Loren
SW Washington
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