Alternator/starter/fuelpump lifespan

[raaizin]

Does anyone have any data to say the average lifespan of alternator/starter/fuel pumps. I have a 2002 Maxima we purchased new and currently has 134k miles on it. I was thinking of replacing some or all of these components over the summer at my leisure. I plan on keeping this car a few years until something major goes and drive 15-20k miles a year. My job is about 50 miles away and in another state so a breakdown is a bit of a pain.

 

[qdeezie]

It makes sense to replace it. As far as how long it lasts, it's different for different vehicles, but if you're looking for minimal downtime, go ahead and replace a few of those parts. You might want to put the water pump in your list of replacement parts as well.

 

[Barkleymut]

I have read in a few places including here that fuel pumps should last almost forever as long as you do not run the tank dry a lot. Thanks for starting this thread as I also drive a lot for work and cannot afford many breakdowns on my 106K Saturn.

 

[raaizin]

I can tell you from personal experience that a fuel pump doest last forever. It failed on another vehicle a 1996 explorer at about 180k. I never let it go below 1/4 tank either and owned since new. I learned a little trick to get it going, I hit gas tank with a tire iron and it jolted the fuel pump motor to start running, that trick will get you home, but you must replace pump immediately. You can use this trick to get starter going sometimes also.

Ray

 

[Astro14]

219K on my Toyota. 2 water pumps - seem to last about 100K, 2 starters - figure about 80K. But this is still running OE fuel pump and OE alternater.

I don't let it go below 1/4 tank - fuel pump is in tank and therefor cooled by fuel....and I am with you...I plan to have alternator rebuilt this summer, just because 220K is a long time on that component...

 

[rpn453]

Originally Posted By: raaizin
Does anyone have any data to say the average lifespan of alternator/starter/fuel pumps. I have a 2002 Maxima we purchased new and currently has 134k miles on it. I was thinking of replacing some or all of these components over the summer at my leisure. I plan on keeping this car a few years until something major goes and drive 15-20k miles away. My job is about 50 miles away and in another state so a breakdown is a bit of a pain.


No data here, but the OE parts probably last a lot longer on average than typical replacement parts, so make sure you go with quality parts.

I've replaced three alternators. They all gave plenty of notice. I knew the age of two: one was an OE part at 70k, the other was a rebuild at 10k.

I've replaced two starters. One was a rebuild with about 30k. It died suddenly. The other was of unknown age, and began functioning intermittently.

I've never replaced a fuel pump.

 

[dishdude]

When I got rid of my '95 Neon with 185k on it, the alternator, starter and fuel pump were all original. The OE stuff with a ton of miles is probably still better than a reman.

 

[Herz]

Fuel pumps in GMs atleast die sometime after 100k. Alternators, water pumps, and starters are random luck of the draw.

 

[JHZR2]

Our MB diesel starters last forever, or at least 30+ years and 300k. Alternators on the older diesel cars are fairly weak, and last maybe 150-200k before the voltage regulators are worn. I think it is because they generate a fairly low voltage (rarely see 14V) and so have to pull more current. The 96 has 250k on the original alternator

On our 94 previa everything is original, alternator, starter, fuel pump, etc. at 230k

Most cars we have tend to need an alternator somewhere around 100-150k. The only fuel pump Ive ever had to replace was due to a bad electrical connector, not the pump itself. Running fuel adds does tend to quiet the pump, FWIW.

 

[crazyoildude]

Ever hear if it aint broke dont fix it??
There are starters and alternators that can last for 40 years or longer i have all original in my 1970 cadillac convertible...Why single out the starter ,alternator and fuel pumps why not change the transmission,engine springs and shocks or struts also?
If something is working good leave it alone the rebuilts in some cases dont last 6 months i just replaced a wiper motor on my grand voyager and got two rebuilts from cardone that were worse than the one i took out..i finally got a new one from the dealer..We buy parts all the time for customers cars and about 40% of the rebuilt things are no good..

 

[nitehawk55]

Youo might try a Nissan forum and ask of owners who own the same vehicals . Life span of a starter will usually be determined by type of use...IE: City vs Hwy . These factors can also effect the other components too .
If you can determine one of these components is problematic than you would be wise to replace .

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
Ever hear if it ain't broke don't fix it??

I agree. Alternator, starter and fuel pump are not maintenance items. If it works leave it alone.

 

[The_Jeff]

If you're paranoid buy the parts and put them in your trunk. Then if you break down on a sunday afternoon when there aren't any parts stores either the tow truck guy (who counts on dead strangers' cars for business) or a "craigslist mechanic" will have something to work with.

Sometimes doing fuel pumps there is all sorts of rust etc on top of the sender unit that could fall in the tank. Same as risk of infection getting surgery on your body.

 

[frankm]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
Ever hear if it ain't broke don't fix it??

I agree. Alternator, starter and fuel pump are not maintenance items. If it works leave it alone.



I agree, and would add that the items in question will add up cost-wise to pretty close to what the car is worth, assuming new, OEM parts are used.

 

[raaizin]

Lets keep this ON TOPIC if you would NOT mind. I really would like some data on lifespan of these components.

 

[mechtech2]

The lifespans vary.
How in the world can anyone say otherwise?
100,000 miles is as good a guess as any. Many go longer.
Ambient heat and loads encountered plays a big part.

Note that with alcohol in the fuel now, fuel pumps are running 'drier'. This is not good for fuel pumps, for sure.
This is one reason I use a top end lube like 2 stroke oil in the fuel.

Brushes and bearings can be replaced on your alternator to get a lot more miles out of it.
Starters can be rebuilt, also by yourself.
If you get a fuel pump, get the best you can. Get a filter at the same time, too.

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
When I got rid of my '95 Neon with 185k on it, the alternator, starter and fuel pump were all original. The OE stuff with a ton of miles is probably still better than a reman.

I still have the original alternator, starter and fuel pump in my Neon as well. Pump is a bit noisy but its been that way the whole time I've had it, 6 or 7 years now.
Original water pump died at the age of 10 with maybe 110,000 miles.
If you get yourself a scanguage you can watch voltage in real time and see battery problems and maybe alternator problems too before they become a show stopper.

 

[ltslimjim]

FWIW, I have a starter that still 'works', but I believe the bentix(solenoid/relay is built into starter) needs to be replaced. Worth it to pay a parts shop to 're-man' it for $50-$75 or buy new? $100 online for no-name brand or $120-$130 minimum for aftermarket brand name or more for OEM?

 

[GMFan]

I never replaced the original starter, fuel pump, alternator or water pump in my previous 2001 Saturn and it had 132,000 miles on it. I'd say of all those items the starter is the most important...fuel pumps are pretty reliable and alternators usually give you signs before they die.

 

[nitehawk55]

Originally Posted By: raaizin
Lets keep this ON TOPIC if you would NOT mind. I really would like some data on lifespan of these components.

I mentioned in another post that you would be wise to find a Nissan forum and ask this on there . You'll likely get some replies from owners of the same vehical and Nissan techs who can advise you .

This is the wrong place to ask as it's a forum for car owners with oil related OCD .