Fuel pump problems

[Axelshei]

It seems like my 98 Explorer is "eating" fuel pumps. The pump has now been changed four times while I have owned it. How is this possible? Kan it be something else that is really the problem?

 

[my98nnj]

The electrical connections to it.

 

[drdoom]

What brand pump?

 

[Axelshei]

What brand pump?

I actually do not know what kind of pump is there anymore. The only thing I do know, is that it is not the original one. The fuel and sender assembly has both been changed.

 

[Axelshei]

The electrical connections to it.

You mean that can cause the pump to break all the time?

 

[2000StreetRod]

clogged fuel filter?

If your fuel filter has more than 50K miles it may be clogged causing premature pump failure. Fuel flowing thru the pump cools it. If you run the pump dry it will quickly overheat and prematurely fail. When the pump was changed was the "sock" (in tank screen) also changed? Do you add fuel "anti-freeze" in winter? Mayber condensation in the tank is freezing and restricting fuel flow causing the pump to work harder. Have you purchased the cheapest pumps you could find on ebay?

 

[Axelshei]

If your fuel filter has more than 50K miles it may be clogged causing premature pump failure. Fuel flowing thru the pump cools it. If you run the pump dry it will quickly overheat and prematurely fail. When the pump was changed was the "sock" (in tank screen) also changed? Do you add fuel "anti-freeze" in winter? Mayber condensation in the tank is freezing and restricting fuel flow causing the pump to work harder. Have you purchased the cheapest pumps you could find on ebay?

I know that the fuel filter is recently changed as well. I do not know about the "sock", but I can ask the workshop who did the job. And I always add anti-freeze in the winter. I know that the pump are very cheap, yes.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Pump was changed four times over what time period? You are outside the US, so don't know what fuel composition is sold in your filling stations. If they tend to last about a year or so, are they failing around the same time (ie when blend changes are being made for winter or summer)?

The filter sock must be replaced with the pump. Most of the cheap ones come with the sock, but a lot of name brand ones dont. It is strongly recommended to also change the in-line fuel filter as well. If is it old, it could be impeading the flow and putting extra stress on the fuel pumps leading to premature failure.

 

[Axelshei]

Pump was changed four times over what time period? You are outside the US, so don't know what fuel composition is sold in your filling stations. If they tend to last about a year or so, are they failing around the same time (ie when blend changes are being made for winter or summer)?

The filter sock must be replaced with the pump. Most of the cheap ones come with the sock, but a lot of name brand ones dont. It is strongly recommended to also change the in-line fuel filter as well. If is it old, it could be impeading the flow and putting extra stress on the fuel pumps leading to premature failure.

There is actually something like two weeks between every time the pump has failed. I live in Norway btw.

I don't know if the filter sock was replaced, but I will check that out! It probably was not changed.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Are you certain the issue is actually the pump and not something else like the relay or cutoff switch?

 

[drdoom]

Seriously, even Airtex pumps should last longer than two weeks!

 

[rb142]

Seriously, even Airtex pumps should last longer than two weeks!

It is pretty hard to believe. Even a really cheap pump with no sock at all should easily last longer than that. I have to wonder whether these pumps really are failing, or if it is something else (e.g. intermittent wiring) causing the symptoms.

 

[Axelshei]

I have off course thought about that myself, cause it sounds really weird. It could definitely be something else. The only thing is, that every time the pump is changed the engine works just fine again. I can put the pedal to the metal and it kicks down perfectly. That lasts for about two weeks, and then it starts to bully again. When I press full throttle now, almost nothing happens. Releasing it a bit, and it goes fast forward. Hmmm.....

PS: Sorry for my bad English.

It is pretty hard to believe. Even a really cheap pump with no sock at all should easily last longer than that. I have to wonder whether these pumps really are failing, or if it is something else (e.g. intermittent wiring) causing the symptoms.

 

[SoNic67]

I have installed a Bosch pump myself. Warranty for the pump says that the strainer (sock filter) needs to be replaced at the same time. If not, warranty is void.

 

[Axelshei]

Come to think of it.....what is the excact purpose of the strainer? Only a filter, or has it other purposes?

 

[RomeovilleIL]

When you stated the truck is hesitating on full throttle, was this the previous symptoms before the pump was changed? Normally a bad or dying pump will be a no start type situation. I suspect you have something else causing the problems.

It is easy to test a fuel pump. There is a schraeder valve under the hood near the battery. There is a special tool for testing the pressure but you can use any standard dial type tire air pressure gauge instead to get an instant read. Start with truck off and engine cool. Turn key to on but not start. The fuel pump will prime for a couple seconds. Turn key off. Then check pressure. Should show somewhere between 45 and 65 pounds per inch.

Run the truck for a while when you are experiencing the lag stop truck and recheck the pressure. What results?

 

[koda2000]

Come to think of it.....what is the excact purpose of the strainer? Only a filter, or has it other purposes?

the sock's/strainer's purpose is to keep crap that, may be in fuel tank, from getting into the pump's turbine and tearing it up. the fuel filter comes after the pump and it's purpose is to keep really small stuff from getting into your fuel injectors. most fuel pumps come with a warning stating that you must install the pump with a new sock to keep your warranty in effect. it's also a good idea to install a new fuel filter. some pumps come with the sock and some do not. they should all come with the sock, but i guess to artificially reduce the price many don't include it.