Cheap Fuel Pumps

[CaptSquid]

When I bought this van (98 Stro AWD), there were some problems with the existing fuel pump. As time went on, a can of ether was my constant companion. Finally, the fuel pump went on to the great JY in the sky. I paid my mechanic dearly to replace the pump with, hopefully, the best he could buy. Turns out, he installed el cheapo. Another mech told me that these cheap pumps do not like ethanol based fuels at all.

Well, about 5 months after the replacement, the new one went south. Since it was under warranty, the first grease monkey replaced it, albeit reluctantly.

About a month ago, this new one went south as well. I called the second mech and he recommended that I bang on the bottom of the fuel tank. This cheap trick worked, but the second mech also told me to put 5 oz of 2-cycle oil in the fuel tank to lubricate the pump. I knew this wouldn't hurt in that concentration, so I did.

So far, so good. Although I plan to install the 2-cycle oil every time I fill as a prophylaxis.

[snapper388]

2 cycle oil will probably stop up your catalytic converter . oem fuel pump will last much longer than aftermarket. all new pumps should be built for ethanol.

[CaptSquid]

Will cross that bridge if and when it comes here.

[CaptSquid]

That bridge got here faster than I thought. The darned fuel pump went WAY south just before the North Pole moved next door and brought the polar bears with it. I could've taken the van to the stealership and had to pay for both the hook and the fix ($850!) or a very reputable wrench for $585. He's much closer and he uses only GM parts, not aftermarket crappola. He's so busy, he had to book 2 weeks away. I get in on Friday the 13th. I still have to find a hook or someone to drag me the 15 blocks.

[CaptSquid]

Well, boys & girls, the truth is finally out.

The mechanic that installed the fuel pump cut some serious corners.

1. When he installed the new pump, he neglected to use the gasket between the top of the tank and the pump itself. This caused slight contamination of the fuel in the tank as well as creating the risk of fire!

2. When he installed the new four-lead pigtail/connector, he didn't solder the connections. He simply twisted the wires together and wrapped them with electrical tape. One of the leads worked itself loose, resulting in a loss of continuity.

The mechanic I had the van towed to found these things out. THIS mechanic replaced the missing gasket and

a. crimped
b. soldered
and
c. shrink wrapped

the wire connections.

Do I report the first mechanic to the Better Business Bureau and attempt to recoup the almost $400 that I had to spend to get the problem fixed that he created?

[1Gary]

Mike-kind of confused.You paid someone to fix the wiring,but didn't replace the F/P while the gas tank was out of the van??.

[CaptSquid]

Nothing wrong with the fuel pump at all. The initial replacement was because the original fuel pump had died a natural death after about 180K miles. The second pump (initial replacement) probably didn't die at all; more than likely, it was a victim of the poor electrical repair job and, conceivably, could've lasted far longer than the four months it was in the vehicle.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I would try to get my $400 back! Thats a bunch of cash to throw away!

[CaptSquid]

Reported this to the BBB on their website (bbb.org). Filled out a rather simple form, where I asked for not only the money I paid the 2d mechanic, but part of the money I paid the first one, prorated of course. They replied today that I should expect a reply from the 1st within 10 business days.