Fuel pump vs fuel pump/sender assembly on 98 Vortec 305

[frito-bandito]

Just wanted to get some advice on the pros and cons of just replacing the pump instead of the whole pump/sender assembly on my 98 Vortec 305, has anyone ever did just the pump, if so, how difficult is it?

 

[Dubya]

when i did mine i changed the pump and strainer only. my gas gauge has not worked ever since.

 

[Aloicious]

the sender contacts are known for wearing out and causing gas gauge problems, you can just replace the pump if you'd like, but depending on cost, since you're going to be getting in there so far (i.e. dropping tank/pulling bed), I'd say you might as well replace the whole unit.

don't use parts store pumps though, they ALL suck really bad and you'll be replacing it again soon if you do....get a delco or delphi only (there are a few aftermarket ones that are good, but unless you need more flow like for forced induction, just stick with stock), and remember to keep on top of your fuel filter changes, and don't let the tank drop below ~1/4 too much, that'll help the new pump last longer.

 

[frito-bandito]

Thanks for the advice, I just replaced the whole assembly not too long ago, and since I'm kinda pinched for money, it looks like I'm gonna do the pump alone. At least this way, I can actually affored a name brand pump.

 

[Aloicious]

yeah if the sender isn't too old, that may be the best route. here's some info on replacing the pump with a Walbro unit, its not exactly what you'll be doing, but it has some good pics on disassembling the carrier that might help you out....

http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articles/Walbro.html

 

[frito-bandito]

Thanks for the link, is the 3 way fitting he made nessasary if I use a AC Delco pump instead of the Walbro pump?

 

[Mean Green]

I'll be replacing just the pump on my 94' this weekend with a new AC Delco unit, also bought a new strainer and line for in the tank. My gas gauge works perfectly, so I didn't see the need to replace the sending unit as well. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[Aloicious]

Thanks for the link, is the 3 way fitting he made nessasary if I use a AC Delco pump instead of the Walbro pump?

no, that fitting and stuff is to make the walbro work with the sender. with the correct delco pump it should be a pretty straightforward swap. inspect your electrical connectors by the tank too, they are known for building corrosion too, it sounds like the sender is pretty new so its unlikely to be an issue, but you might as well check it since you'll be right there working on it.

 

[Aloicious]

I'll be replacing just the pump on my 94' this weekend with a new AC Delco unit, also bought a new strainer and line for in the tank. My gas gauge works perfectly, so I didn't see the need to replace the sending unit as well. I'll let you know how it goes!

yeah, the pre '96 is slightly different IIRC, and the 98+ carrier is even more different than the pre 98.

 

[Horns]

Unless the sender isn't working or is in bad shape I would just get the pump.

The sender on my 94 was rusted so bad that it tore the line when I tried unscrewing it. So I got a new one.

-Sent from my twin turbo Desire using diesel fuel.-