Best Fuel Pump?

[sciphi]

Is there a "best" fuel pump out there?

The inquiry comes because I have to replace the sending unit on a 1999 Buick LeSabre, which involves dropping the gas tank to replace. I figure the pump might as well go since it's original and it's coming out with the sending unit (pump gets nestled into the sending unit).

 

[bdcardinal]

honestly you cant beat OEM for most applications. if not, find a NAPA one with a lifetime warranty.

 

[Donald]

The fuel sending unit may be more expensive that the pump. When I tried to unscrew the fuel sending unit's steel lines from the flex lines attached to the vehicle, the steel lines snapped and there was no way I could have prevented it, expect maybe to have sprayed PB Blaster on the fittings the day before. This was on a 93 Suburban. I used all Napa parts. But the pump went almost exactly a year latter. Napa replaced it under warranty, but still a pain. When I replaced the fuel pump the second time, the sender came out fine.

My vehicle has a lot of waxy stuff covering where the assembly fits into the gas tank. I bought a toilet sealing ring and used the wax from it, tossing out the old dirty wax. I also used a new locking ring from dealer.

Use a brass drift pin to turn the locking ring, no sparks.

Don't forget a new strainer sock.

 

[sciphi]

I ended up getting a sending unit with the pump included from Advance at about a $50-70 discount from the sending unit and the pump purchased separately. 1 year warranty IIRC.

Thanks for the tip about the toilet wax ring. It may save the day.

Ended up getting tank straps, associated strap hardware, and a new O-ring for the sender at the dealer.

And I was wondering about how to remove the locking ring. Looks like another trip to Harbor Freight is in order.

 

[MrCritical]

You guys are way better with wrenches than me!

If I planned to keep the vehicle, I'd get that job done at a GM Lifetime Warranty dealer.

Parts AND labor guaranteed for life.

 

[sciphi]

I've been screwed too many times by mechanics to trust many, especially in an area I'm not familiar with. Plus for many basic (brake pad replacement, belts, spark plugs) things I can do just as good a job as most mechanics and use parts I want.

And I'd rather mess up my own car. Plus I'd rather spend money on tools that I can use later on instead of a mechanic. And while dropping a gas tank is not something I have done before, other things done on other cars will translate into the skills necessary to do this. Also, I can do other things with the parts that would not be done at a mechanic, such as rust-proof the areas not normally seen with the tank in place. And do the tank itself.

I have more invested with doing it myself, so I like to think I treat my car better than a mechanic would. The guarantee is that it's my car I'm wrenching on, and I have to live with the result. So it's kinda for life...

 

[pickled]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
Plus I'd rather spend money on tools that I can use later on instead of a mechanic.


Amen to that my man! Every job is a learning opportunity and every tool acquired at today's cost is a cost savings opportunity in the future. Too many people give in to "convenience" these days vs. trying to wrench something themselves. Those of us that go down this road are truly taking the road less traveled.

 

[TallPaul]

My Aerostar was subjected to two aftermarket pumps (highly recognized brand that I thought was supposed to be pretty good), both defective, then a Motorcraft pump was installed and she's been fine ever since.

 

[sciphi]

TallPaul, if that comes to be, at least I'll know how do the job. I'm just hoping it doesn't fail somewhere inconvenient. Oh wait, guaranteed it will.

 

[demarpaint]

Go with OE if possible. I had a mechanic put a fuel pump in my Caprice because I didn't feel like dropping the tank in my driveway. He used a POS after market pump, and had to re-do the job about 2 months later, and I had to pay for the tow to his shop. Needless to say I found another mechanic.

Edit to add: When its possible I try and do all work myself. Over the years I would get an idea of what a job would cost to have a pro do it. Take that cost less what it cost me to do the job, divide that by 2 and buy tools with that money. I haven't bought tools in a long time. but I have a pretty impressive collection of tools, and they never go bad!

Frank D

 

[sciphi]

I ended up using the pump that came with the Spectra sending unit I bought. Presumably it's a Spectra pump. 1 year warranty on the unit. My friend and I dropped the tank in his driveway.

A bit quieter than the OEM pump it replaced, and the sending unit is designed better than the OEM unit it replaced, so hopefully it doesn't suddenly stop.

Fingers crossed, we shall see.

 

[Donald]

The key to long pump life is to never let it run dry. Low is fine, dry is no good.