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Jim
Grant has been working in the automotive industry for over twenty
years. In addition, Jim is an ASE Master Technician with advanced
L/1 certification. He works as manager and technician in his
family's automotive business in New Hampshire. He writes weekly
automotive consumer columns and is editor of an automotive newsletter
that is circulated throughout North America. |
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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.
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