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Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 3:17 pm
by 9dawgs
I may have posted this in the past but I couldn't find it. I'm now going on my 3rd fuel pump in my wifes '98 Astro below (I've replaced 3 in my '99 below as well). This one started out different than the last couple of pumps. It got harder and harder to start when it was cold until it finally it wouldn't start at all, instead of just not working one day all of a sudden like the others. I could hear the pump whirring when the key was turned but apparently it's not putting out enough pressure to charge the injectors for starting. When it's warm, it will start right up without a problem but when it sits for 3 or so hrs, it won't start. If I shoot a little carb cleaner in the intake it will start. Soooo, I'm convinced the pump is about to go out all together.

Instead of replacing the pump with yet another $300 unit from the parts store that may last me a couple of years, I was thinking I would try to rebuild the one that's currently in there by replacing the pump motor and filter. I did this with my Landrover and spent about $100 instead of $600+ for a new one and it still works like a champ. My question is, has anyone on the board ever done this? If so, can you list the pump p/n and filter p/n you used.

Oh, and by the way, the Landrover pump was not supposed to be rebuildable...

Thanks in advance. Seems like my time for Astro woes...

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 4:07 pm
by lockdoc

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 5:53 pm
by astroturf
That is a lot of fuel pumps...

Were they all AC Delco branded units?

Thanks, Jim

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 6:57 pm
by lockdoc
It's ONE AC Delco pump body used on MANY different assemblies. One of them being a 99 Astro.

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 7:08 pm
by astroturf
Yes Doc I saw that.

Let me be more specific...

Jim that is a lot of fuel pumps. were they all AC Delco?

Thanks, Jim

PS Thanks for the link Doc.

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 7:14 pm
by lockdoc
Thought you were replying to me Jim. My bad.

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 8:43 pm
by astroturf
Its OK Doc.

It is a great link for the module though.

With an 05 just turning 134,000 on the original pump, I know my time is coming up.

Have you done one of these?

Thanks again, Jim

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 9:20 pm
by lockdoc
I haven't done a pump on a 96 up van but I have seen other posters who just replaced the pump body. Not really any more difficult than changing the whole assembly.

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 6:43 am
by astroturf
I think you are right Doc.

Didn't Ihatemybike say this was what he was going to do for Grumpy? Perhaps he will weigh in as well.

Thanks Again, Jim

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 6:56 am
by 9dawgs
astroturf wrote:That is a lot of fuel pumps...Were they all AC Delco branded units? Thanks, Jim
No they were not a/c delco units. I bought them from Autozone and it's whatever brand they had...obviously not a good one... Hopefully the kit on the link above will solve my pump problems for good. The price is certainly right =D>

I saw on another post where someone cut an access panel in the floor right over the fuel tank. I may go that route as well. Dropping the tank is a bummer...

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:53 am
by astroturf
Well Good Luck Jim.

Keep us posted.

Jim

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 12:01 pm
by 9dawgs
Will do. I ordered it today. I wish I would have asked this question a long time ago. At $300 buck a pop I would have saved a lot... Thanks for the info.

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:08 pm
by lockdoc
Good luck. I have done the hole in the rear. Not worth it IMHO. You have to take out the seats and so much trim to get the carpet up, it just wasn't worth it.

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 8:12 pm
by ihatemybike
Ah, Astro fuel pumps how I love them.

Reiteration 1294580387459: I you plan on keeping your van, only use ACDelco/Delphi pumps. They can be had for the same price as the cheap local auto parts store pumps when you purchase online. http://store.getgmparts.com/ I purchased Green pump from them and they were good to do business with.

Rebuild kits: I have one in Grumpy for testing purposes and thus far it is testing quite well. These kits only work on Genuine ACDelce/Delphi pumps. Grumpy had an Airtex from AutoZone when I bought it and the kit would not work with it. Luckily I had just replaced Green's and still had a bad ACDelce/Delphi laying around.

Here's my page dedicated to fuel pumps.
http://sites.google.com/site/astrosafar ... umps-tanks

Remember to replace the fuel filter every 20k miles.

Re: Fuel Pump Rebuild?

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:25 pm
by unrreal
I saw on another post where someone cut an access panel in the floor right over the fuel tank. I may go that route as well. Dropping the tank is a bummer...[/quote]
that was me :whistle: but don't tell anyone :poke: it was easier for me this way and since i don't have the original carpet i can just move the front seat to the back, lift the carpet and voila instant access to the tank, which reminds me i have to get in there again since my stupid sender unit is gone bad, my fuel gauge shows full ALL THE TIME. ](*,) HEY AT LEAST I DONT HAVE TO DROP THE TANK :supz: