1996 K1500 Fuel Pump Problems

[jham3693]

I have a 1996 K1500 pickup with 72,000 mile and I have had to put 3 fuel pumps in it so far. They seam to only last about 30,000 miles and they become "soft" in starting pressure. I also had a 1993 S-10 blazer with the same problem. They both used the exact pump. Is there something else wrong to cause premature failures of the pump? Has anyone found a hi-performance replacement that made this problem go away? I'm getting tired of dropping the tank.

[broughy84]

Take the bed off, it's easier! Do you consistantly run your tank less than 1/4. You realize that GM fuel pumps use the fuel as a lubricant and a coolant and if you consistantly run your truck under a 1/4 tank, you could be burning the pumps up like that.

[jham3693]

I've heard this before and so I purposely never run much under 1/2 tank.

[GMMerlin]

Check the sender unit where the wires from the pump plug into the bottom of the sender...this is an area where alot of fuel delivery problems occur and are mistaken for faulty fuel pumps.
Remove the connector and look for signs of burning or melting. also look closely at the terminal itself..is it spread open? if so this could be where your problem is.

[jham3693]

Could there be something wrong with the pressure regulator? I just assummed it was the pumps because they fix the problem when they are replaced. The first one totally failed. the last two just got weak. The S10 Blazer I had, had two go out under factory warranty. Can anyone recommend a very good supplier for a replacement? I have used AC and Carter but the life time warranty doesn't do me much good since the hardest part is changing the pump. I almost cut a hole in the floor of the Blazer to make it a 2 minute job the next time. The problem begins with hard starts and gradually gets worse. I never had a problem with the trucks running once they start. Starts throughout the day no problem. Let it set overnight, or a couple days and it takes maybe 6 to 10 tries. Fuel pressure runs up to about 60 psi and drop off right away to about 35-40.

[Jeremy-WI]

Could definitely be a regulator problem if the pressure drops that fast, could also be a cracked fuel pulse dampener, leaky injector

[Faze2183]

simpe to say gm fuel pumps suck....

ive owned my 96' z-71 k1500 with the 5.7 vortec for 2 1/2 years 115k miles when i first had it.... and ive gone threw 3 fuel pumps, 1 a week after i bought it, then, a week after i had the trans rebuilt 142k miles, then the resent one 165k

so im thinkin i get probly 25k miles with each one?

[Jeremy-WI]

Faze, have you ever replaced the fuel pressure regulator? I've got over 50K miles on a cheap pump from Autozone

[SpitAndDirt]

I have a 96 Z71 Ext Cab 5.7L with 154,000miles and have not replaced a fuel pump or regulator, and I run my tank nearly dry and then fill back up. I run SeaFoam about once every two months in the gas. I have not experienced any of the problems you all are describing. Am I just lucky?

[Faze2183]

where can i get the fuel pressure regulator?

[Jeremy-WI]

can get one at the dealer or about any auto parts for $70

[Rbraczyk]

Or real cheap at a junkyard. I consistently run mine under 1/4 tank, and my fuel pump never changes pace, i mean the truck doesn't run too great, but it never seemed to be a fuel pump issue, it seems to be more oil blow by, and at 282k, i don't expect much.