Chevy & GMC Vans

Hi folks,

I think my fuel pumps gone kapoot. You can't hear it as you normally do. Have done all the checks and the ignition is fine but it just won't start up now. I sprayed some injector cleaner into the intake to confirm this, and she almost started up.. So it appears it is fueling..

My question to you all is.

1) are there any known faults with the wiring?
2) is this a known problem?
3) has anyone changed there fuel pump, if so, is it hard job?
4) should i check anything else before trying to attempt to change the pump?

Thanks all.
Am.

Install a fuel pressure gauge and check the pressure first. If you pour a small amount of gas into the throttle body and start the engine it should run for a few seconds. If it does then bad fuel pump is a good bet. It's not really hard, a bit time consuming and dirty. The pump is in the gas tank.

Agree with tests listed above.

I've swapped out a couple already. I will take some time, but really anybody with
mechanical know how should be able to get it done.

There is a grey colored jumper wire with a connector, located under the hood on top of the heat and A/C blower. There will be a couple relays nearby. Put 12 volts from the battery on this wire and if the pump comes on, you have a relay problem. If the pump doesn't, you have a dead pump. Sometimes you can bang on the bottom of the tank to get the pump to run.

The pump and sending unit will be replaced as a complete unit in your 97. You will either have to drop the tank or cut a hole through the floor to reach it. Either way the tank will need to come down at least a little bit.

Thanks for the suggestions all. I will roll up my sleeves tomorrow and see what we can find

Just to add to Dean's post, sometimes the pump will run but not produce the proper pressure. A pressure gauge can give you the info you need to proceed.

OK will try borrow one.

I definatley can not hear the pump like i used to though, its completley gone in terms of being able to detect it by sound.

I just has a quick look, the A/C relay is same as the Fuel pump one, so i guess i could swap those over just to rule out the relays

Yeah you can. Then you'll know the relay is good or not.

how did you make out?

Well it wasn't the relay. The fuel pump is defo a gonner. I had an independant mobile recovery come take a look too (i have it free with insurance so why not!) and he confirmed the pump had gone..

It was that or wiring to the pump..

I have order a delco item from eBay, not looking forward to changing it i think i have some 45-50ltrs of gas in the tank!

On dropping the gas tank, if you have a one, or know where you can borrow one, a motorcycle jack is a great help when dropping the tank

my dad has one like this
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... 921x00003a

we got the front wheels up on ramps, jacked the rear up high and put it on stands, and then roll the motorcycle jack under and lift it up to the tank, loosen the straps and removed the hoses and dropped the tank down. Since the jack is on wheels we were able to just roll the tank out from under the van and work on the fuel pumps (we have done this twice)

Then when you are ready, roll the tank back under and lift it back up into place.

You definately have to get the tank emptied, syphon out the gas is the best way, or you can use any fuel injection fuel pump be VERY CAREFUL to make sure all connections are covered and insulated before applying 12 volts, you can`t afford to have any sparks with gas fumes around.

I have a FI pump from an old Volvo that I use, it was cheap from the wrecking yard.

A gastank that is even half-full is VERY and unstable to remove, especially if you do not have the use of a full size autoshop hoist, so drain it first you will save yourself alot of extra work and frustration.

Thanks for the tips folks!

I think theres about half a tank in there to get out

Got the odd fuel pump lying about.. mate mentioned sticking it on the tube he suggested to speed up the fuel removal?