Hello to the Astro board

I'm usually over on the GMC board because well I own a GMC, but I just added to our stable by buying a 98 astro. don't know if I got a good deal or not I payed $300.00, the body and interior are perfect, tires are at about 50% with no odd wear, 180 k (was a 200-300 mile a day commuter).
Owned by one family since new.
Only 1 thing wrong with it. some could have guessed it I bet, FUEL PUMP, LOL.
Since as I mentioned I own a GMC 91 2500 5.7, I'm kind of used to the GM quirks, IE wiper motor boards, fuel pumps, etc.
I have had to change my fuel pump on my truck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere oregon while on vacation, it sucked but had to be done and did so in about half a day.
now in talking to this guy and trying to find out why he wasn't just getting it fixed, he gave me the impression that it would have been more than 1k for the repair, I priced pumps and they were at the most $400.
more than $600 for labor? could it be that hard to drop the tank and do this?
what am I missing? my truck tank is about 4 ft long and 30 gal and not a fun task, or since I have only used a mechanic once in my life (40 plus yrs), could I just be out of touch with labor costs?
I'm just at a loss about this, I have to pick this thing up this weekend, I was thinking of bringing along some w/d or starting fluid to see if I could get this thing going enough to get it to my place, if not I tow it. either way it's mine now, and was just looking for input or any info at all about the newest member of my family.
I have recieved loads of info and great tips on the GMC forum as well as given my :2cents: , so this is the first place I thought to look for the astro info.
I really would apprecate any input, Thanks Ray, B

No harder that droppping the tank in your truck. If you're up for that job on the side of the road, replacing the Astro puimp in your driveway will be a breeze. It helps to have a second pair of hands when lowering the tank. But it will all look VERY similiar to you when you crawl under the van for the first time.

Fuel pump is so expensive because the sending unit and pump assembly are all one unit- but I have seen on the web where there are folks selling pumps and DIY instructions on how to replace just the pump by itself-- also be careful when dropping the tank- to unplug the pressure sensor- for tank pressure- have inadvertantly had it unplug itself before- it is usually back towards the axel on top of tank- the fuel lines takes a special tool to depress the snaps- if you haven't done a post '96 pump- y

Thanks for the info, I will look for the tool this weekend when I go to get a manual for it, "another to add to my collection" I must have 20 diffrent manuals, some for cars I haven't own for 20 years, lol. but i cant seem to get rid of them, I know once I do i'll need them for somthing.
Funny, the guy who sold me the van called a bit ago and said he had people calling and offering $800.00 for the thing, "it really does look good", it's tempting to just turn it over and make the $500.00 and never touch it, but for some reason I kind of like the thing already,

Astros will have that effect on you...

The '98-Up models have quick-disconnect lines both at the top of the tank and again above and right of the tank where they transition to steel lines. These type require no special tools to disengage - Just squeeze the white nylon tangs and the connector pulls free. Here is what they look like:

http://72.19.213.157/files/AstroTankTopUnit.jpg

The in-tank unit can be replaced as an assembly or in pieces, but be aware that the three electrical connections for the pump that are on this unit can also cause problems.

http://72.19.213.157/files/PumpConnector.jpg

That tank itself is not much different than a mid-duty truck like a 2500.

http://72.19.213.157/files/AstroFuelTank.jpg

I'm usually over on the GMC board because well I own a GMC, but I just added to our stable by buying a 98 astro. don't know if I got a good deal or not I payed $300.00, the body and interior are perfect, tires are at about 50% with no odd wear, 180 k (was a 200-300 mile a day commuter).
Owned by one family since new.
Only 1 thing wrong with it. some could have guessed it I bet, FUEL PUMP, LOL.
Since as I mentioned I own a GMC 91 2500 5.7, I'm kind of used to the GM quirks, IE wiper motor boards, fuel pumps, etc.
I have had to change my fuel pump on my truck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere oregon while on vacation, it sucked but had to be done and did so in about half a day.
now in talking to this guy and trying to find out why he wasn't just getting it fixed, he gave me the impression that it would have been more than 1k for the repair, I priced pumps and they were at the most $400.
more than $600 for labor? could it be that hard to drop the tank and do this?
what am I missing? my truck tank is about 4 ft long and 30 gal and not a fun task, or since I have only used a mechanic once in my life (40 plus yrs), could I just be out of touch with labor costs?
I'm just at a loss about this, I have to pick this thing up this weekend, I was thinking of bringing along some w/d or starting fluid to see if I could get this thing going enough to get it to my place, if not I tow it. either way it's mine now, and was just looking for input or any info at all about the newest member of my family.
I have recieved loads of info and great tips on the GMC forum as well as given my :2cents: , so this is the first place I thought to look for the astro info.
I really would apprecate any input, Thanks Ray, B

Before you drop a fuel pump in it. Look it over and check it out first.
What year and engine?
Start with a fuel pressure check.
Here is some guide lines for a newer year.
Hard to start cold.
Check cold start fuel pressure.
Check engine running fuel pressure.
Check engine running on the road fuel pressure.
Then shut it off and watch for fast leak down.
Pinch off at rubber part or block off return line and check full pressure.
Later V6 and V8 gm engines should have 60-66 fuel pressure.
Cold start should be 64-65 lbs of pressure.
If you do not have full fuel pressure on a cold start the injectors will not squirt fuel.
Do not leave home without it.
Engine running should be 60-66 lbs pressure depending on engine load.
Full pressure with return pinched off should be 75-85 or more.
And if it has a fast leak down after shut off you have a leak.
Post back fuel pressure readings.
MT