Re: Attn: Kyle - "Fuel Pump King"

From: Kyle Kozubal (grndak4x4@home.com)
Date: Wed May 16 2001 - 23:41:39 EDT


> What were the symtoms when your truck needed a fuel pump (the first
time,
> 2nd, 10th, 35th...whichever time, it doesn't matter :))? I think mine may
> need one soon. My truck used to start on the first try every time. Now,
> about every 2 or 3 starts, I have to crank it twice. It's been doing this
> for about 2 or 3 weeks. I am now letting the pump, pump up twice before
> trying to start it. I just started doing this to try and see if it is the
> fuel pump. Over the last 4 or 5 starts, this method seems to work since
it
> starts up the first time.
> My fuel gauge has been wacky for 40,000+ miles. The truck has around
> 82,000 on now.
> Any input would be great. Where to get the best deal on a new fuel
> pump....install help....anything.

Aaron,
Honestly when mine went out there were little if any warning signs. I think
I am currently on the 5th fuel pump module/assembly. I am religious about
changing the fuel filter on my truck every 15,000 miles, and also whenever I
put on a new pump. Of course, on my 93 Dakota, the fuel filter is external,
located on the inner driver's side frame about 1ft before the tank. It takes
a mere 10 minutes and $10-$15, so I just figure it is good routine
maintainence in keeping the fuel pump from working too hard....is the fuel
flow is restricted due to the filter becoming clogged. Well I dont think
this theory is solid cause I have gone through sooooo many pumps. And yes, I
rarely let the tank get down to below the 1/4 tank marker cause I know the
rule of thumb that gas also lubricates and cools the pump.......well this
theory also stinks :) On all the pumps I have bought, whether marked Carter
or marked under some other name on the box......they have ALL been Carter
fuel pump assemblies.......as marked on the acutal part itself once taken
out. This last time I was actually able to find a Lifetime Fuel Pump
Assembly from Autozone. This was yet again another Carter Fuel Pump,
marketed by Autozone under the "Master Assembly" name for $155. Before, all
that I could get was a 1 year warranty. I have bought pumps from the dealer,
from NAPA, and now from Autozone. All typically last 35,000 miles....but
this last part lasted a mere 26,000 miles. The only real warning sign I have
noticed is that when the fuel guage on the dash starts acting up.....that
has been a sign that I have 1 month left on the pump. First fuel pump was
replaced by Dodge at only 17,500 miles. A second was replaced by Dodge
shortly after at 35,000 miles. Since then, of course, I have done all of
them myself. The only extra parts I buy are the two fuel line hose clips
which attach the lines to the top of the pump. In order to get the lines off
of the pump, these clips must be broke off. They are like $2-$3 for the two
clips. I also buy a new screw on cap and gasket every other pump; this cap
is what tightens the pump down onto the tank and the gasket goes on the lip.
I think the cap/gasket(sold as a set) ran me $12 this last time through
Dodge. I do also like to take the tank into my local radiator repair shop
and have them degrease and clean out the tank. I have only done this twice,
the first time I dropped the tank it was really dirty in there. The radiator
shop charges my $25 to clean it out and then seals the tank up with some
thick clear wrap to keep crud out during transportation, etc. I have heard
how much easier it is to take the bed off the truck and just do the fuel
pump work this way. I have never done this. I have dropped the tank with 5
gallons in it all the way up to having 20 gallons in it. Of course, having
as little in the tank as possible makes the job easier......but I still
would never take the bed off! The tank is help up with two tank straps.
These straps get 'locked' into the inner frame rail and then just get
slipped on over two threaded rods(one rod per strap) and then held on by a
nut.......so it now takes me 10 minutes to drop the tank. I like having two
floors jacks under the tank........especially when there is alot of gas in
there. I have also dropped the tank using just one floor jack......basically
if you have one use it........it will help. Also the tank is talled than
that frame rails. So jack up the driver's side frame and use 2-3 jack stands
so that once the tank is off you can just slide it out.....makes removal and
installation alot easier. You should be able to hear the fuel pump whine or
humm rather well when standing next to the vehicle. Turn the key over, just
dont start it, and the fuel pump should whine for a few seconds as it builds
up pressure in the line(s). If you need to remove the gas tank cap and
listen.....or even get under your truck and look for a little round 6"-8"
plate looking mold on the bottom side of the tank. This is where the pump
sits. Listen in this area and have someone start your truck. Like I said you
should hear it whine good. One time my trucks pump died when I was in the
middle of the woods hunting for a weekend. I literally got under the truck
with a rubber mallet and hit this 6"-8" molded area of the tank and 7-8 hits
later the truck fired up. I would like to one day hook up a fuel pressure
guage to the shrader valve on the pressure regulator so I can constantly
monitor the fuel pressure. I just havent found an adapter which would
depress the little needle within the test port. Oh well. This would also be
a good way for you to determine on how efficiently the fuel pump is
supplying constant pressure to your truck......making you start it 2-3
times. You can also take the cap off of the schrader valve/test port valve
and depress the needle with a small screwdriver....there should be a little
spray of gas come out.....so have a rag handy. After I cranked my truck 5-6
times(Whenever my trucks fuel pumps have died) there was just a tiny trickle
of gas which came out after I depressed the needle in the test port. Hope
this helps. If you need any more help or info, please ask away!
Kyle
93 Dakota 4x4 V6.....Fuel Pump King....haha.........



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