Fuel Pump Installation?

My son has a 96 Jimmy 4x4. Recently he has had trouble with an intermittent starting and now has a check engine light. AutoZone checked it and said that the problem seemed to be a fuel pump issue. I have to agree because at times the thing will just crank and if you bang on the fuel tank it might start.

Does anyone out there have some procedures for me to deal with changing the pump? Tricks to dropping tank... etc :confused: ;

Use 2 people to drop the tank. Remove the 3 screws at the gas cap before you do anything. Depending on how much rust that's on those straps, you may have to grind them off. (new straps are 10 bux)... Use a 2x4 on a jack to lower it 3 inches. Remove all your lines and electrical. Beware, if there is too much corrosion on the lines at the top of your tank, you will have to cut them off, which means you will also have to replace the sending unit. Once the tank is down the rest is easy. I also reccomend changing the pulsator unit when you change the fuel pump.

Thank You for your wonderful help. I do mechanical work but is is always best to hear the way to do things from someone with experience. Obviously YOU have been there!! Thanks Again!


Use 2 people to drop the tank. Remove the 3 screws at the gas cap before you do anything. Depending on how much rust that's on those straps, you may have to grind them off. (new straps are 10 bux)... Use a 2x4 on a jack to lower it 3 inches. Remove all your lines and electrical. Beware, if there is too much corrosion on the lines at the top of your tank, you will have to cut them off, which means you will also have to replace the sending unit. Once the tank is down the rest is easy. I also reccomend changing the pulsator unit when you change the fuel pump.

are the lines at the sending unit held on with hose clamps or with a quick disconnect connector?

I asked around and was warned not to use an aftermarket pump. Ifound a new GM pump/ sending unit assembly (in the box) on Ebay for $175

Not A Bad Price Run Tank As Low As You Can, If Truck Still Runs I Use Silicon Spray Or Dish Detergent To Lube Rubber Lines During Reassembly Metel Lines To Sender Unit Are Flare Fittings With O-ring Always Rusted If You Are Putting In New Sending Unit Just Cut Steel Lines From Sender Close To Fitting Then You Can Use Socket To Loosen

Check your fuel pressure first before you swap anything out.

Could be just a plugged fuel filter.