Fuel Pump Gone Bad

[mals]

My fuel pump in my 2001 XLT with 184K is just about dead. It has in intermittent problem of not starting with the turn of the key, it may take 2 or 3 tries before you hear it pressurize the system. A day ago it just gave up. I was able to get it started with my son at the ignition and me with a 3 lb dead blow mallet hitting the bottom of the gas tank. So the question is: Do I replace the entire unit for $250 or just the motor for $100 sourced locally? What is the downside of just replacing the motor? Any help is appreciated. I plan on dropping the tank on Friday.
Thanks.

Mals

 

[ponkotsu]

My fuel pump in my 2001 XLT with 184K is just about dead. It has in intermittent problem of not starting with the turn of the key, it may take 2 or 3 tries before you hear it pressurize the system. A day ago it just gave up. I was able to get it started with my son at the ignition and me with a 3 lb dead blow mallet hitting the bottom of the gas tank. So the question is: Do I replace the entire unit for $250 or just the motor for $100 sourced locally? What is the downside of just replacing the motor? Any help is appreciated. I plan on dropping the tank on Friday.
Thanks.

Mals

A job that requires extensive labor, you should use the best parts you can get and do it once. Probably you can order on the internet and get it much cheaper. Pay the expedited shipping if you are in a rush. Or try Advance auto and use a coupon code. Sometimes they are really cheap that way.

 

[mals]

I tried Advanced with the coupon and they could not get it delivered until 12-8. I need to be up and running by Saturday and with the holiday I don't think shipping will get here on time. I have no experience with the fuel pump so am not sure of what all can go bad. I think the motor going bad would not effect the float or sensors. I agree I only wont to do this once so I may have to bite the bullet and pay up.

Mals

 

[ponkotsu]

If you need it going by Saturday you're stuck buying local at inflated price. Try Napa they can get parts same day from other stores. Never doing it before, expect this to be an all day job. Maybe longer if you need another part or tool.

 

[unclemeat]

Try Rock auto and rush shipping. Get the Carter pump.

 

[Sixonemale]

I would absolutely go with OEM for a fuel pump. Also, this is not an ordinary DIY job, you'll have to drain the fuel tank, be careful with vapors, etc. Perhaps there is lot written about doing this job and it's easier than I thought, but I would certainly research it thoroughly before attempting it.

 

[unclemeat]

Carter is the OEM pump manufacturer.

 

[mals]

It turned out to be a 2 day job. When I was pulling the tank out from under the vehicle I hit the vapor vent on the frame rail and snapped it off. It's a dealer item and the closest one is a couple of hundred miles away and $68. Day 2 was a trip to the bone yard and I scored a vent for $2.38 and an hour on my back. All said and done I spent 5 hours under 3 vehicles. I spent $260 in parts but saved $500 off the quote from my local shop. All said and done not a technically difficult job just took some time.

Mals

 

[Dsrtdweller]

I was thinking of changing out mine to as it is starting to not start every once in awhile. I have an 02 Explorer Sport 4.0 and so i looked it up online to see what was involved and it had a few photos that showed taking the bottom seat out of the rear seat and it has an access plate for the tank so you can just change it out but one must not smoke or cuz any kind of sparks in the process or bye bye you go! I just saw your post but its possible you might have the same access? Dsrtdweller