Think Mcfly Think

[Redog]

As much as I know about automotive, I didn't bother to change the fuel filter <_<

After I filled up with gas, I drive back to the plant (I was on break) park out front, go inside to clock out, turn out of the lot and I hear "POP"

I'm thinking what was that? I turn onto the highway and when I give it gas I hear what sounds like spraying water :blink:

Then the car starts to lose power and I cannot go faster than 40, So I drive over to the mech and he says that I just broke my fuel pump. He can't fix it today to bring it back Monday. He can't even get the part today.

He reminded me of the fuel fitler that I just replaced about 3 weeks ago, the first time I replaced a filter <_< The thing was soooooo blocked up you couldn't pass air thru it at all :eek:

Now the price I pay for not replacing the filter every year for the past 4 years. At least $400. And to think only $20 for a fuel filter times 4 years $80 which is nothing. I make almost $20 an hour and I get 2 paid 1/2 hour breaks :wacko:

[Vtolds]

Damn that sucks

[ptrudel]

damn that sucks...my filter was clogged up liike you described too...thank god i caught it before the fuel pump went :wacko:

[jackal2000]

how many miles do you have on your car?

[Oldsman]

well i guess i'll replace mine. which i am surprised it lasted this long.

[Youngblood77]

Same here, Oldsman. I have about 84k on her, and I've NO idea if it's been changed yet. Gotta get on that right away....

Sorry to hear about that ReDog. I dunno if you trust Ebay, but there's ALWAYS Alero/GA fuel pumps on there for sale. If you can do the job yourself, it might be worth the effort to shop around before buying the part. Might save ya some scratch. :thumbsup:

[Oldsman]

i got like 105k on mine. so being the motor is in pieces will have to replace filter.

the pump is in the tank but it could be done yourself.

[Youngblood77]

Yeah, shouldn't be a big deal Ken, but make sure you replace the gasket. Most every pump I've replaced came with a new gasket, but If the one you purchase doesn't, make DAMN sure you replace it. Don't wanna finish it up, start the car, and see it throw a light after all the work involved. :wacko: Gotta have a good seal with these newer pressurized fuel systems.

Oh, and 1 more thing. That $400.00 quote sounds a tad steep to me. I could be wrong, but I'm thinking that it can be done for cheaper elsewhere.

[smlzalero]

$400? Ouch, I'd check somewhere else, too.

[bigd6983]

400 bucks a tad steep? ive seen them go on ebay for about 170 bucks so if its a new pump installed it doesnt seem to bad unless im missing something.......like just labor is 400, or just the pump is 400........the gas tank does have to be dropped right to gain access to the fuel pump??

[Oldsman]

yes the tank has to be drained and dropped to replace fuel pump.

[Youngblood77]

I dunno bigd, it just sounds a little high. Even with a $170 pricetag, that leaves $230.00 for labor.

Figure $50.00 an hr for labor, that equates roughly a little under 5 hours. There's no way it takes 4 1/2 hours to releave the fuel pressure, drop the tank, unhook the fuel lines and wires, unbolt it, clean the gasket area, and re-assemble. It might take that long in someone's driveway, laying on rocks, searching for tools, and using a floorjack to drop the tank, but they're in a shop with a lift most likely, with all the necessary tools @ their fingertips. I totally think $400.00 is to high for this job.

No matter what, I hope Ken gets the best deal he can, and gets the Redogger back on the street in as little time as possible. :thumbsup:

[bigd6983]

man i thought 400 was a deal lol........how hard is it to drain the tank, does it hafta be pumped out through the filler? and its just the straps that hold it up right? im not afraid of doing it, its just the draining fuel that im unsure of

[Rubered00]

i've got like 55000 miles on my car and have never raplced it. Where is the filter located?

[bigd6983]

at the rear, i think its inbetween like the part of the trunk that dips down and the gas tank next to the cannister.......ive changed mine twice since i had the car.......and i think im going to do it soon....

[Youngblood77]

Well, it's best done with as little fuel in the tank as possible, that way it's lighter and easier to handle. The easier to handle the better, because until the tank is on it's way down, you don't know how much slack there is in the wires and fuel lines. ( and by then, it's too late to drive the car around longer to use up the gas. ) You could always siphon the gas out using a 3/4" outside diameter hose, but that'll only work if there's no screen in the filler neck. Some vehicles have them, some don't, and I don't know if our cars have one or not.

No matter what the situation, just try to do it as safely as possible, and don't be in a big hurry with dropping the tank. They're bulky and awkward to handle, and can be pretty heavy with alot of gas in them. Just make sure you don't make it a habit to have your head under it while it's on it's way down. Accidents can and do happen. It's imparetive that you don't kink those fuel lines. Just use a nice hydraulic floor jack, take your time, and keep an eye on those lines and wires. :thumbsup:

[bigd6983]

this would probably be a good how-to to have on here, theres been a few cases of bad fuel pumps on here and there are definately some people on her capable.......

i guess if you got lucky ur gas could be on E lol but im sure it usually dont work like that........

[smlzalero]

A How-To would be fantastic.

[Redog]

I know what's invovled and all, but I just want to mess with it. My Mech said the pump itself will be in the area of $400.

The dealer replaced one under warranty a few years ago, I saw the bill, it was about $650 parts and labor :eek:

[smlzalero]

Just the pump!? I would buy one elsewhere and just have your mech put it in, if he'll do that.

[bigd6983]

yea man i would check out ebay, i dont see anything wrong with those fuel pumps......i mean if u got the time to wait and all.......

[Youngblood77]

Ebay fuel pump (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7941521057&category=33555&sspagename=WDVW) <----A true GM fuel pump complete with all installation materials. Shipping would be pretty cheap to Ken too, this is only about 20 minutes from my house. $25.00 maybe?