Fuel Pump Fuse

[dcm3]

A couple of months ago my 1995 Aurora stumbled and stopped, and I had it towed to a repair shop. The 15A fuel pump fuse blew, but they could not determine what caused it. The fuel pump was drawing ~8A when they checked it after replacing the fuse. Given the choice of trying a new fuel pump, or just the new fuse, I chose the latter. A few days ago the same thing happened. I replaced the fuel pump fuse and it is running OK again.

Does this sympton sound like the fuel pump is going, or could it be something else (e.g. fuel pump relay, fuel filter clogged, other) ? I'd like to feel more confident about what's wrong.

Thanks.

(p.s. I had the fuel rail recall modification done about one month before this problem first occurred. Doesn't sound like there is any connection, but ... ?)

[dmorlow]

If I were you, I'd probably wait it out until it becomes more predictable and you can find a pattern of what is causing it. If it was happening everyday or a few times a week, then I'd troubleshoot it. But if it is only happening every few months, the fuse is only a dollar or so. My pump just went out. It's costing me $400!!! And I'm doing my own labor. It would probably be more like $700 or more if I took it somewhere else. I would way rather just throw a dollar fuse in there every few months and have that be it. If there is something going out, if you drive it longer, it will probably get worse and what is really wrong will become more evident.

[dcm3]

Thanks, but I'm a little nervous about waiting it out. The last time it killed on me, I was making a turn across traffic and just barely coasted through in time. I, too, plan to do the work myself and just want to feel better about the problem.

[elmosh]

Just a little tip on changing fuel pumpd on sn Aurora.There is an Inspection panel in the trunk above the fuel pump..(unlike any other GM car or truck I know of). The tank doesn"t have to come down or be drained. While you have it out take a look at the fuel guage sender unit to see if it is corroded. Have Fun!!!!!!!!!!

[dcm3]

Thanks for the tip. How big a deal is it to remove the fuel pump (sending unit) without the use of the special GM tool called for in the service manual? Can I successfully and [relatively] easily remove it with a brass drift and/or wooden stick and hammer by tapping it to turn it? I haven't been able to find the special tool (J39675) anywhere (and I don't want to pay the price the dealer will likely charge). Since it's so hard to find, I can't imagine that it is what most people use to remove the pump.

While I'm at it, there are a plethora of pumps out there - AC Delco, Delphi, Carter, Airtex, KEM. If I go ahead with the replacement, is there one I should definitely choose, or stay away from? Right now I'm thinking to buy Carter, but wonder if I'd be better off with an AC Delco or Delphi. Anyone with direct experience?

Thanks.

[elmosh]

You can fabricate a tool for this if youhave a welder, if not take off the inspection cover and go to a welding shop and have them do it. If you could find a tool from GM it would be prohibitive.

AC delco, period

[dmorlow]

I just replaced mine. Pep Boys tried to tell me that a Carter was an AC Delco. There was no difference. I didn't trust them. I paid the extra $100 for the true AC Delco.