Dead Fuel Pump

:banghead: This is the freakin second time in a year and a half that this problem has happened. These pumps are very whiny and are embarrising to here. Does anybody know of an aftermarket pump that would work or has anybody put in an external pump in? Any response would be helpfull thanks. I have a 98 K1500 Silverado 5.7 vortec engine.

i had the same problem with my 98 k1500 for about a year and a half. it would whine real loud but never would die. finally it died and i got it replaced at pep boys and this new one is quiet but for some reason gas gauge doesnt work. they probably forgot to hook up gauge wire. possibly try pep boys' brand of fuel pump.

i got oem pump from gmpartsdirect.com for 350$, it is a lot mor quite than my old one.
also i have heard that these fuel filters on the frame rail should be changed every 10,000 miles , i do this now.

also, maybe you have some kind of sediment at the bottom of your tank killing your pumps

On my 1997, at about 120K, the fuel pump went out.

I decided to have the dealer replace it at $1100. Within 6 months it failed again.

They claimed it was fuel filter clogged which caused the connectors to melt. Dealer replaced pump for free but charged for the filter.

I had changed the fuel filter at 100K (first time) so I'm suspicious. I never heard of pump short-term failure due to filter.

I have heard problems with OEM pump wiring shorting to frame due to wiring routing.

Oh yes, always check the relay under hood. It turns on briefly when starting but times out to off if engine isn't running.

Hi,
The connectors go bad without any help. They are poorly designed to start with. You will see some replacement pumps either come with a new pigtail or a sheet recommending to replace it.
My 97 K1500 used 3 pumps in two years so I was aware of the wiring issue, but no problem on mine. Just bad pumps. Running the tank too low too often probably did it with two of them, but one just kept loosing pressure because of an internal valve failure. The filter and sock were replaced each time.
The original pump lasted 110,000 miles probably the first owner never let the tank run too low because he lived in the boonies.
BTW the pump only cost me around $60.
But a friend has a 97 Tahoe and hie connector went bad but two shops missed it and his pump cost $350. plus labor because it requires the float and all.
There has been a picture of the bad connector on the wall at the local NAPA as a help to customers for several years now,
Also a Technical service bulletin went out to dealers years ago.The latest revision was june 05, but it replaced one fron april 04. So it is not new and unknown.

Bob B

On my 1997, at about 120K, the fuel pump went out.

I decided to have the dealer replace it at $1100. Within 6 months it failed again.

They claimed it was fuel filter clogged which caused the connectors to melt. Dealer replaced pump for free but charged for the filter.

I had changed the fuel filter at 100K (first time) so I'm suspicious. I never heard of pump short-term failure due to filter.

I have heard problems with OEM pump wiring shorting to frame due to wiring routing.

Oh yes, always check the relay under hood. It turns on briefly when starting but times out to off if engine isn't running.

Mine burned up because of the clogged filter. It is really hard on that little vane pump to suck that clogg, its like drinking a macdonalds milk shake with a straw (you have to let it melt first). But anyways the roller vane pump is really the only part that goes bad on module, just like the older alternators only failed because of that $8 solid state intergrated regulator, Delco only sells as a complete unit. I found a guy who sells just the pump motor, OEM part, and much much cheaper. I can give you the guys e-mail if you want it, he has 1000,s and will ship anywhere in the U.S.

Mine burned up because of the clogged filter. It is really hard on that little vane pump to suck that clogg, its like drinking a macdonalds milk shake with a straw (you have to let it melt first). But anyways the roller vane pump is really the only part that goes bad on module, just like the older alternators only failed because of that $8 solid state intergrated regulator, Delco only sells as a complete unit. I found a guy who sells just the pump motor, OEM part, and much much cheaper. I can give you the guys e-mail if you want it, he has 1000,s and will ship anywhere in the U.S.
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Hi
My sock on the pump was clean each time. The filter on the frame you couldn't tell, but the tank is also very clean, no sludge or rust at all.
Yes please send the email for the guy selling pumps. I will carry a spare in the tool box.
BTW, After the third pump, I cut an opening in the bed for the next time. I made a cover for it from a wrecked truck. No more dropping the tank or lifting the bed!
It hardly shows, and since the tool box is there most of the time, you can't see it. But if it fails again while on the road with my fifth wheel trailer, I can replace it in an hour or so.

Thanks,
Bob B

The sock filter on mine was totally clean as well, the inline filter on frame rail was the bad one. I blew through the filter and it seemed ok, but when I used high air pressure (opposite of flow arrow) a huge dirt chunk came out. I followed up by water pressure and a steady flow of muddy water came out. Also when my pump failed, it was still running fine. It just did not have the volume or pressure (60 psi) to run the engine. A drop of 10 psi is just as bad as a totally dead pump.Anyways I will get back to you on the guys e-mail, I have to go to work right now and I don't know where it is off hand.