Starving for gas

[Rick Norwood]

My 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3 has recently experienced an unusual issue. While returning from a long road trip, I had to stop to add Freon to the A/C system. (This went well and is another story), however once the repairs were completed, we went to take off and the engine started acting like it was starving for gas. The engine spit and sputtered and had no power; the vehicle would not climb up the ramp to exit the parking lot. I popped the hood again only to hear a very loud roar coming from the Air filter area. After we parked and shut off the vehicle for approx. 30 minutes, the engine started right up and seemed to run fine. Not wanting to take any chances of breaking down in the middle of nowhere, we took it into the dealer the next morning. 2 hours and $75.00 later the dealer could find nothing wrong. No error codes, nothing, and according to the service advisor the fuel pump pressure was right on. 3 days prior to leaving on the trip I completed the routine maintenance including Air and Fuel filters, oil change etc.

Previously, I have had the same issue with this same Van two other times while it was under warranty and the dealer automatically replaced the fuel pump both times, which seemed to work for a couple of years then it acts ups again. I was told to put a fresh fuel filter in this vehicle at least once a year, and this would go a long way to eliminating the problem. I have been told there is a strainer/filter inside the Gas tank that might also be full of residue etc. from the tank. Could this be part of the problem? If this filter/strainer does exist inside the tank, is it on the suction side or the discharge side of the pump?

I can’t believe that I am destined to changing fuel pumps every couple of years. Anyone have any insight?

[GTP Dad]

It is possible for the strainer to become clogged with debris from the fuel tank. But you do not have to change the fuel pump each time just buy a new strainer and change that. It is as complicated as changing the fuel pump and just as much hassle but costs a whole lot less. The strainer is on the fuel pick-up side of the pump and can also suck shut on some occasions. You might want to flush the tank if you change this to get any unwanted sediment/dirt out of the tank.

[Rick Norwood]

How readily available is the strainer? Does it snap on, thread on, how is it attached? Is this a fairly common problem? Since I have never had the pleasure of replacing a fuel pump in this vehicle before, are there any special tools or any tips you can give me for the R&R?

[GTP Dad]

You may need to go to a dealer to get a strainer although check the aftermarket first. It will be much cheaper. I am not sure how the strainer attaches to the fuel pump but it shouldn't be hard to change. The strainer is a sock that is attached to the end of the pump and appears to thread into place. As far as removal and replacement the hardest thing to do is lower the fuel tank. Make sure to be very careful with fire and sparks around the tank. You might want to run the tank as low as possible before attempting to remove it. Be sure to disconnect the battery before doing any wiring. There shouldn't be any special tools required to remove the fittings either. Also, if you can't find a strainer, pull the fuel pump and clean it with a good carb. cleaner, allow it to dry totally and then replace it. You could even soak it in some cleaner rather than spraying it. Good Luck with your project.