How easy is replacing a fuel pump?

[ThrottleAbuse]

So it seems my pump died tonight. I have been having the on and off weird fuel gauge symptoms for about a year and a half. Put on the e-brake and fuel gauge shows zero. Hit some bumps and it goes to zero. Just plain weird. Last summer I managed to run it out of gas towing a trailer. Than about a month ago I ran it out again. A friend said it causes the pump to overheat and will die very shortly. Well it was running good so I didnt have anything done.

So my question is how difficult is it to replace. I have motorcycles and can completely take an engine apart and put it back together both 2 and 4 stroke. So I am not to concerned about the techinical aspects. More of the special tools and/or procedure. Is there and online service manual somewhere? I know if I have a manual and its not to crazy on special tools I can do it. Any idea on time frame. If it can be done by and average mechanic in under 2 hours I will do it. If not I will prolly have it towed to the dealer. Yay I am lazy.

[OGG]

You either need to drop the tank or take off the bed, whichever you prefer. Other than that it should be fairly easy.

[knogoodidleft]

and your going to need a special tool to disconect the tubes from the top of the pump, auto zone carries them

[ColoradoSilverado]

Originally Posted by knogoodidleft

and your going to need a special tool to disconect the tubes from the top of the pump, auto zone carries them

You do ?

I just replaced my fuel pump, dropped the tank using a floorjack and had no problems at all.

Bert

[rjeffery]

It's not too hard. I dropped the tank to replace mine. Pick up a Haynes manual, it contains step by step instructions. As far as special tools, all you will need is a long socket extension to reach the bolts on the tank straps, and a large pair of adjustable pliers to remove/replace the locking ring that holds the pump in the tank. You do not need a special tool to remove the fuel lines from the pump.

[ThrottleAbuse]

Cool. I saw a few other places that say its not very difficult.

Is is best to go to the dealer and buy a OEM pump or get one at autozone or something.

Also where is the fuel filter and how tuff is that to get into?

[tempfixit]

I have read in many posts that using AC Delco or Delphi is recommended, being many of the others fail within a short period of time. I have also read that Carquest now handles Dephi.
Fuel location depends on year of vehicle.

Good Luck

[rjeffery]

Definitly go with OEM. I got mine from O'reilley's for just under $300. Good idea to replace filter at same time. Filter location does depend on year. Some are located on frame rail just downstream of tank, others are located in tank.

[homegrowm311]

It's much easier than I thought it was going to be. My dad has an engine lift so we went for removing the bed, literally just 8 bolts and a few wiring harnesses. I did not need any special tools to disconnect the fuel lines, just two tiny flat head screw drivers so get the clips off. Splicing in the new wiring harness for the pump seemed to take longer than anything.

Kris

[wafrederick]

It is easy,you can do either way.There are two brands to stay away from for fuel pumps,Airtex and Carter.Airtex does not warranty their pumps 99.9% and call it installer error.Stay away from AutoZone also,the make the cheapest garbage out there and I have seen it.Go with a Delphi pump,they make fuel pumps for GM and recently,Carquest.Carquest used to have Airtex for their fuel pump supplier,they ditched them since they were having problems with them and switched to Delphi.Believe me,put in six of them in one Chevy truck when Carquest had Airtex as their supplier for fuel pumps.Change the fuel filter also,it is full of trash and dirt which will burn up the new fuel pump