Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'98 Chevy Silverado, Fuel Pump Problems

Q: I have a ‘98 Chevy Silverado truck and I’ve replaced the fuel pump twice in the past month @$350 each time. Do you know what could be causing the wires to burn up in the fuel pump? The tech does not, and I have already given him $700 and the truck is still not fixed.

A: Why did you have to pay for the second fuel pump? I must be running my business wrong. If a customer has a problem with a fuel pump, the replacement pump is at no cost to the customer. Why? Because fuel pumps come with a warranty! In fact I do not know of any automotive products (parts that is) that don’t come with a warranty! (Not on labor but warranty on the part.) What happened with the defective fuel pump? I wonder if it got warranteed? I wonder whose pocket the warranty money went into? This may not answer your question, but it does raise a few. Wouldn’t you say?

Why do fuel pumps fail? Fuel filters are a good reason. People just don’t seem to service them as often as they should. Faulty fuel pressure regulators is another reason. That is why the fuel pressure should be checked after a fuel pump is replaced. A defective pressure regulator or pinched fuel line will eat a fuel pump up in no time. Dirt in the gas tank is another cause. When a fuel pump is replaced the gas tank should always be checked for debris. Then of course there is the just plain defective fuel pump. It happens. Why do you think Jeep fuel pumps for some models were on national back-order?

I question the business practices of your tech/shop and really think you should ask some questions and be sure to buy product from companies that are willing to stand behind their product.