Chevy & GMC Vans

blk lt awd wrote:...but if the pump is in the tank itself..........doesn't the filter come after the pump has already seen the fuel?......

Actually, there is a filter of sorts on the pump's inlet--it's a fine mesh screen that keeps the big chunks out of the pump.
I've changed 3 fuel pumps so far. The rustiest vehicle was my 89 Safari--it was terminal with rust, including the exterior of the fuel tank and the top of the fuel pick up assembly. But the interior was in very good shape; I found a tiny amount of water but no rust chunks of any size.

I've seen a few all in one sending units and i too don't understand why we couldn't just put a piece of tube in place of the internal pump and run external. you would have to cut the power lines to the pump in the sending unit and run them to the external pump and i would still run an in-tank filter...only problem i could see is external pumps don't pull well....if this make sence they push more then pull...i remember a guy on a hot rod project site went the external route...as long is the pump is primed your good to go...just don't ever run out of gas...now this is just a thought...but if u kept the in-tank pump and ran another external pump could this possibly put less strain on the internal pump and extend its life?

Since I'm running a carb. with a mechanical pump, I pulled the tank pump and replaced the in tank filter with a piece of tubing. When I first pulled the pump I installed a filter in the tank but after swapping to a smaller S-10 tank I removed the in tank filter to eliminate having to pull tank to swap it out. Replaced the in tank with an inline and one at the carb. As far as running an external electric pump, I still don't understand why you couldn't do this. Now as far as priming, on the cars I've had in the past, there was no problem but you did have to turn the key to start pump a few seconds before cranking motor.

So from what I have read here, it may be possible to go to an external pump as long as you leave the sending unit in the tank. My question is are there external pumps that will give the pressure that is needed to open the poppets on the FI engines? If so, is anyone willing to try putting in an external pump so we can all see if it works? Right now my pump is working fine, but if it would be possible to go with an external replacement, especially one that would not cost me an arm, leg, and my first born, I would very much want to go that route if my pump goes. Speaking of which, I am due to change the fuel filter. I will need to add that to the list.

Rileysowner wrote:So from what I have read here, it may be possible to go to an external pump as long as you leave the sending unit in the tank. My question is are there external pumps that will give the pressure that is needed to open the poppets on the FI engines? If so, is anyone willing to try putting in an external pump so we can all see if it works? Right now my pump is working fine, but if it would be possible to go with an external replacement, especially one that would not cost me an arm, leg, and my first born, I would very much want to go that route if my pump goes. Speaking of which, I am due to change the fuel filter. I will need to add that to the list.

exactly the question: Who's going to do it and let us know? Top of the line pump at JEGS and Summit are about $150 with tons of pressure, a regulator would be needed in fact.

well if someone wants to pay...i'll be the test dummy lol.....in fact in about 3 weeks the van is getting the tranny rebuilt so it would be the perfect time

Later in life I drove mid 70's Buick Skyhawk and Oldsmobile Starfire cars

What year Starfire did you have ? Always liked the 62's

One point to ponder about an external pump is noise. As annoying as the in tank pumps sometimes are, I wonder about an outside one.

HPbyStan wrote:One point to ponder about an external pump is noise. As annoying as the in tank pumps sometimes are, I wonder about an outside one.

I converted my 6 cylinder, 1963 ford falcon mechanical pump to an external electric pump and don't hear it at all.

LaGrasta wrote:

HPbyStan wrote:One point to ponder about an external pump is noise. As annoying as the in tank pumps sometimes are, I wonder about an outside one.

I converted my 6 cylinder, 1963 ford falcon mechanical pump to an external electric pump and don't hear it at all.

Cool, good to know..

well after looking on summit....i have come to the conclusion the if my pump dies before this is tested i shall test it first!

These cars were a blast to drive. Both my Skyhawk and Starfire were automatics though. With the 231 v6 they got excellent mileage, drove good in snow. The k bodys were unibody, so when the doors rusted out [rockers] you'd pull into a parking lot with a slight incline and the body would tweak and a door would fly open. I drove em as work cars and paid $600 a piece in very good shape. Rebel-I am sure your thinking of the 1962 Starfire, they were boxy but very cool, wish I had one now.

so who will be the first?....peter....u have lots of cash.....wanna fund the experiment for my van lol

Finally pushed Green into the garage yesterday. Fuel pressure gauge shows the pump only able to give 32 PSI with ignition on. Hope to have the tank dropped tonight.