Could I of gotten two bad fuel pumps?

happydog500 · #1 09-16-2009, 04:42 PM

A little over a year a go I bought a new fuel pump. It went out a few months after the one year warranty.

Now, after a couple months, it seems to be going out again. What's the chance I could get two bad pumps in a row?

The last time it went out, I could hear it making noise for a while before it went out.
This time, I go to start it, it just turns over. I wait a while and come back and it starts. It happened again today. I was in a loud area, but I think I could not hear the pump when I turned the key.

When I went back, I could hear it. It started up.

Anybody ever bought two bad pumps in a row?

Thank you,
Chris.

auto trainy · #2 09-16-2009, 07:53 PM

Anything is possible but before you go for the pump check or replace the fuel pump relay to make sure its receiving power.

HotZ28 · #3 09-16-2009, 08:56 PM

What brand of fuel pump are you installing?

Jrs3800 · #4 09-16-2009, 11:20 PM

Wondering the same thing Bo.. I have seen some from Autozone and or Advance auto that were not worth a nickle...

I tend yo use AC Delco in my cars for the replacements and have had 0 issues..

On my van I got a Pump from E-Bay, seller had very good ratings( if that really means anything )... I Installed that Pump Over 1 year ago and to date have had no issues.. Pump still provides plenty of pressure and is quiet...

I do have a question tho... When the pump was replaced was the fuel filter replace as well? I have seen filters that were very restricted and caused the pump to work hard and in my opinion shortening the pumps life..

happydog500 · #5 09-16-2009, 11:48 PM

The pump I replaced last, I went to Jerry's, then NAPA, and autozone. I can't remember the brand off hand, but all the places had the same brand. Since autozone was cheapest, for the same part, I got it at autozone.

Filter is a year old. Probably not long enough to get restricted.

I looked up relays. It's only $15.99 (I thought maybe hundreds).

Anyway to test a relay?

happydog500 · #6 09-17-2009, 08:53 PM

I looked for the relay but couldn't find it. Book says it's behind the IP. Couldn't find it.

Any tips to help find it?

Chris.

happydog500 · #7 09-17-2009, 09:52 PM

I found it. I put the glove box down and there they where. I turn the key, and I can hear a loud click. Might be the ignition tho.
Chris.

HotZ28 · #8 09-17-2009, 10:33 PM

The only pump brand available for your car at AZ is an Airtex! Lucky you got a year out of it, especially if you are one of those who runs the tank low on fuel on a regular basis. Pay 10-20 bucks more and get a real fuel pump like Delphi, ACDelco, or better yet a Carter! Check RockAuto Parts Catalog

BTW, Don is right about the filter & strainer, see the note below that comes with a new Airtex pump.

Quote:

*** Caution *** a fuel pump is more likely to fail if installed without a new strainer and filter. Warranty valid only if strainer is replaced at the same time as the fuel pump. Drop fuel tank and clean before replacing fuel pump.

happydog500 · #9 09-18-2009, 01:52 AM

Only got a month or two out of the last one. When I went to autozone, I had a choice of two different ones. I got the Carter. Friend was mad because it took me 15 minutes to make the decision.

What if I get the rockauto, Sending unit with pump? Doesn't say which pump comes with it.

Will have to drop the tank for the 3rd time, in a little over a year, check which sending unit I have, order it, get it-then install.
Hope I don't have to buy a $72, foot and a half fuel line. Each time I take it off, I risk it not sealing again.

Thank you for the input,
Chris.

HotZ28 · #10 09-18-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by happydog500

Only got a month or two out of the last one. When I went to autozone, I had a choice of two different ones. I got the Carter. Friend was mad because it took me 15 minutes to make the decision.

What if I get the rockauto, Sending unit with pump? Doesn't say which pump comes with it.

Will have to drop the tank for the 3rd time, in a little over a year, check which sending unit I have, order it, get it-then install.
Hope I don't have to buy a $72, foot and a half fuel line. Each time I take it off, I risk it not sealing again.

Thank you for the input,
Chris.

If you get the one shown below, the pump would also be a "Spectra Premium". Strange that you could find a Carter @ AZ. I don't see them offered @ any of the stores, or online.

BTW, we are talking about a '97 LeSabre aren't we?

happydog500 · #11 09-18-2009, 11:43 AM

Yes, 97 Lesabre. I'll find the box it came in.

I was told there only a few manufactures of fuel pumps. All the company's buy from them and sell it under their name. One of the company's just bought the other. Never verified it tho.

I did see the other company at Jerry's had the same #'s and markings as the one at Autozone. Their Premium Brand was the same as autozone. I do know that usually AZ sells stuff that's not as good as you can get somewhere else.

How does a Spectra Premium pump rate?

Maybe I'll fix the old sending unit with a screw, then spend the money on a good pump.

Thank you for replies,
Chris.

happydog500 · #12 09-18-2009, 06:26 PM

I went out and got under the car to check the connections. I wiggled the wires, pushed the connections together (they where tight).
I turned the key and the pump worked. Could be the intermittent part, but it hasn't started or had fuel pressure for two days. Now it works.
I will see how it goes and post back.

Thank you for the input,
Chris.

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