Fuel pumps
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Topic author - I finally get the smurf thing
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:30 pm
- Location: Pocono Mts, PA
Fuel pumps
Everyone says, plan on replacing the fuel pump around 100,000 mi. I believe it, base on my last van. I did this once on a Ford Escort--also a tank mounted electric pump--and it was a PITA. Also, the fuel guage never worked after that--didn't care, it was a $200 car.
But when I do this with the Astro, I want to do it right. Are there any special tools I'll find useful for that one?
But when I do this with the Astro, I want to do it right. Are there any special tools I'll find useful for that one?
Previous Vans: 1998 Astro, AWD, 138K mi; traded on 2003 Chevy Astro, AWD, 125K mi; traded on
2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT, 4x4, ext, long box
2007 Chevy Cobalt
1998 Maza MPV (180K mi and in need of PA inspection--only paid $500!)
Needed: a Gen 2 Astro project vehicle...
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- I plan to be buried in my van
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- Location: Rochester,NY
Re: Fuel pumps
None that I can think of from me doing the pump on the 1994LT.
PB blaster for the tank strap bolts and being sure the tank is empty or nearly empty.Bass drift to hit to release the retainer ring without any sparks.Floor jack to lower the tank and raise it back in place.
![Think :-k](./images/smilies/eusa_think.gif)
Call me Gary
1985 Astro-"Ole Yellar"
1994 LT Astro
1981 Winnebago-"Baby"
12'dual axle enclosed trailer
The vendor trailer
Lead with my heart & take the hits because of it like a man.
1985 Astro-"Ole Yellar"
1994 LT Astro
1981 Winnebago-"Baby"
12'dual axle enclosed trailer
The vendor trailer
Lead with my heart & take the hits because of it like a man.
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- I plan to be buried in my van
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- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Fuel pumps
Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting the fuel lines. Remove the engine cover, look for the Schreider valve on the fuel line. Press the center with a screw driver surrounded by a rag.
Disconnect the fuel lines before you drop the tank. Remove the shield between the tank and the drive shaft (if it isn't missing already, Grumpy), then looking between the drive shaft and the tank you should see the hard line/flex line connectors. Squeeze the tabs together on each connector, then pull.
Don't bother with the floor jack to raise or lower the tank. It's much easier to use some cam buckle straps. One mounted to the body near each of the tank retaining straps, undo the tank retaining straps then slowly let the cam buckles slip to lower the tank. Make sure you have the filler neck disconnect before you lower the tank.
Disconnect the fuel lines before you drop the tank. Remove the shield between the tank and the drive shaft (if it isn't missing already, Grumpy), then looking between the drive shaft and the tank you should see the hard line/flex line connectors. Squeeze the tabs together on each connector, then pull.
Don't bother with the floor jack to raise or lower the tank. It's much easier to use some cam buckle straps. One mounted to the body near each of the tank retaining straps, undo the tank retaining straps then slowly let the cam buckles slip to lower the tank. Make sure you have the filler neck disconnect before you lower the tank.
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
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Re: Fuel pumps
Make sure that the tank is empty, use an AC Delco fuelpump only, change your fuel filter every 25k miles for fuelpump longevity.
`86 V8 Lowered Cargo, extensively modified, shaved bald, wearing the shortest, sluttyest white primer dress....
A British Wanker living in So KarlyFornia.
My Astro tows my toys to Glamis sand dunes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2pqjQtpso
First ever canal jump at Glamis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXZjM84x_Xc
A British Wanker living in So KarlyFornia.
My Astro tows my toys to Glamis sand dunes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2pqjQtpso
First ever canal jump at Glamis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXZjM84x_Xc
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- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Fuel pumps
For the most part, ACDelco = Delphi. For great prices on Dephi pumps check out http://www.getgmparts.com/.
If you're broke you can try an Ebay pump rebuild kit. Grumpy has one and is running fine, longevity has yet to be proven though.
If you're broke you can try an Ebay pump rebuild kit. Grumpy has one and is running fine, longevity has yet to be proven though.
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
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Topic author - I finally get the smurf thing
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:30 pm
- Location: Pocono Mts, PA
Re: Fuel pumps
OMG! The AC Delco catalog lists the fuel sender at just under $600 ($563.14, not counting shipping or tax if you buy local)! Basically a little less than two of the van's stinking payments when I was paying on it--and it aint even broke yet...
I'm thinking maybe it's a good idea to wait until the fuel pump starts humming real loud. They usually do that before they go don't they?
I'm thinking maybe it's a good idea to wait until the fuel pump starts humming real loud. They usually do that before they go don't they?
Previous Vans: 1998 Astro, AWD, 138K mi; traded on 2003 Chevy Astro, AWD, 125K mi; traded on
2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT, 4x4, ext, long box
2007 Chevy Cobalt
1998 Maza MPV (180K mi and in need of PA inspection--only paid $500!)
Needed: a Gen 2 Astro project vehicle...
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- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Fuel pumps
Once again we have a better suggestion.
Your 2003 uses the ACDelco MU1375 or MU1380 depending on if it has ROBUST FUEL SYS SENDER, both of which aren't available from http://www.getgmparts.com/.
Another cheap parts source is http://www.rockauto.com
Dephi FG0127 $257.79
ACDelco MU1375 $264.79
ACDelco MU1380 $272.79
I just saved you $300.![smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Your 2003 uses the ACDelco MU1375 or MU1380 depending on if it has ROBUST FUEL SYS SENDER, both of which aren't available from http://www.getgmparts.com/.
Another cheap parts source is http://www.rockauto.com
Dephi FG0127 $257.79
ACDelco MU1375 $264.79
ACDelco MU1380 $272.79
I just saved you $300.
![smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
Re: Fuel pumps
Socalli's right about the pump brand. the off brands can be a bit of a crap shoot. Mine crapped out short of 100K miles. replaced it, had to do it again inside of a year. Then again inside of a year. The third one has been running good for quite a while now. I think I've got the fuel pump replacement down pat now.... ![Banging my head ](*,)](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif)
![Banging my head ](*,)](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif)
'89 Astro, 4.3L, TBI. Minor intake and exhaust mods. Rebuilt 700R4 trans (by me). Corvette servo, 0.5" boost valve, police grade 1-2 accumulator spring (shifts fast and solid). B&M stacked plate trans cooler. Bilstein shocks. Belltech sway bars front and back. New head unit, speakers and subwoofer. Needs paint and a new headliner.
name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....
name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....
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Topic author - I finally get the smurf thing
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:30 pm
- Location: Pocono Mts, PA
Re: Fuel pumps
Okay. So, I'm still $300 with tax or shipping. But I can swallow that easier, so thanks.
Questions, though. If I do have the ROBUST FUEL SYS SENDER, does that still mean it get's a 100K replacement or did GM design that to make the system reliable enough not to need that? Also, if it doesn't can I put one in?
Yesterday did notice an ocassional intermittent hum when the van was idling for a prolonged period, so maybe I do need to do this...![Pray [-o<](./images/smilies/eusa_pray.gif)
Questions, though. If I do have the ROBUST FUEL SYS SENDER, does that still mean it get's a 100K replacement or did GM design that to make the system reliable enough not to need that? Also, if it doesn't can I put one in?
Yesterday did notice an ocassional intermittent hum when the van was idling for a prolonged period, so maybe I do need to do this...
![Pray [-o<](./images/smilies/eusa_pray.gif)
Previous Vans: 1998 Astro, AWD, 138K mi; traded on 2003 Chevy Astro, AWD, 125K mi; traded on
2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT, 4x4, ext, long box
2007 Chevy Cobalt
1998 Maza MPV (180K mi and in need of PA inspection--only paid $500!)
Needed: a Gen 2 Astro project vehicle...
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- I sleep in my van
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- Has thanked: 2 times
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Re: Fuel pumps
Or you could buy a terrific pump from summitracing.com for about $150 and mount it outside the tank and tell us how you did it. ![Whistle :whistle:](./images/smilies/eusa_whistle.gif)
![Whistle :whistle:](./images/smilies/eusa_whistle.gif)
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles
K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
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- I finally get the smurf thing
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:08 pm
- Location: Carol Stream, IL
Re: Fuel pumps
I've been changing my fuel filter every 30K and still have my original fuel pump with 194K miles.SoCalli V8 wrote:Make sure that the tank is empty, use an AC Delco fuelpump only, change your fuel filter every 25k miles for fuelpump longevity.
92 Astro Conversion Van 2WD
Vin Z Engine
Eaton Posi
Vin Z Engine
Eaton Posi
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Re: Fuel pumps
I try to keep at least 1/3rd of a tankful at all times. The fuel is the heatsink that keeps the pump cool. Running the tank low causes the pump to heat up and self destruct. ![USA :usa:](./images/smilies/american-flag.gif)
![USA :usa:](./images/smilies/american-flag.gif)
2003 awd cargo g80 3.42 gear
1998 awd 230,000 R.I.P.
1992 awd 240,000 R.I.P.
"What? Me worry?" Alfred E. Neuman
1998 awd 230,000 R.I.P.
1992 awd 240,000 R.I.P.
"What? Me worry?" Alfred E. Neuman
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- I sleep in my van
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Re: Fuel pumps
Now that's impressive!Southern wrote:I've been changing my fuel filter every 30K and still have my original fuel pump with 194K miles.SoCalli V8 wrote:Make sure that the tank is empty, use an AC Delco fuelpump only, change your fuel filter every 25k miles for fuelpump longevity.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles
K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
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- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Fuel pumps
This is really important on the 1985-96 vans.geezer wrote:I try to keep at least 1/3rd of a tankful at all times. The fuel is the heatsink that keeps the pump cool. Running the tank low causes the pump to heat up and self destruct.
1997 and newer vans have fuel pump assemblies with a fuel cup that the pump sits in to keep it cool. When the pump is running, this cup is filled with fuel and it overflows back into the main part of the tank. It is designed such that the tank's level could be well below the pump's level and the pump would still be submerged in fuel. One could even run the tank dry and the cup would still have fuel in it.
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
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Re: Fuel pumps
When changing your pump get yourself a 4" peice of 2" PVC and cap it. Put this in the filler tube when you disconnect it and secure it with the hose clamp. That way you will avoid any spills when you tilt the tank to pull it out from the straps. I've done 3 pump replacements on 2 Astros. They aren't easy but it can be done by the shade tree mech.
Also, all 3 went without warning...no hum...nada. Just wouldn't start. If you listen when the key is turned you'll hear the pump pressurizing the system. If you don't hear it, it ain't working... Hope it works out well for you.![Dancing \:D/](./images/smilies/eusa_dance.gif)
Also, all 3 went without warning...no hum...nada. Just wouldn't start. If you listen when the key is turned you'll hear the pump pressurizing the system. If you don't hear it, it ain't working... Hope it works out well for you.
![Dancing \:D/](./images/smilies/eusa_dance.gif)
Jim<><
'99 Astro 4X2, (RIP) 4" Overland Lift, 31X10.50/15 BF Goodrich AT T/A KO,
Rancho RS5000 shocks, Rockford Fosgate RFX9000, Red Top Optima, K&N Filter
![Image](http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/9dawgs/BoatVansig-1.jpg)
'98 Astro 4X2 (SOLD)
'99 Astro 4X2, (RIP) 4" Overland Lift, 31X10.50/15 BF Goodrich AT T/A KO,
Rancho RS5000 shocks, Rockford Fosgate RFX9000, Red Top Optima, K&N Filter
![Image](http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/9dawgs/BoatVansig-1.jpg)
'98 Astro 4X2 (SOLD)