Has anyone changed out the fuel pump on an 02 era Tahoe type Chevy ?

[StuP]

After 20 years the good old Tahoe left me stranded for the firs time. Was starting fine, then just cranked, no fire. Gut feel was a fuel problem. Checked fuses & relays the got it towed to my local shop. Naturally fired right up after it rolled off the truck. General opinion was quite likely to be the fuel pump. $750 to change out !

Has anyone changed out a pump on this type of vehicle ? I'm ok with a wrench, but looking at what you have to disconnect and mess with to drop the tank to change it makes me wonder if I should try this. Fiddling around with little vision to unhook hoses and such after at least 20 years doesn't cheer me up, and then dropping the tank with the car on axle stands sounds like a pain.

Any opinions if this is a practical DIY for someone older without much hand strength ?

$700 to swap out a $50 part just bites.

 

[Rambler]

If you don't have a lift and a transmission jack I would recommend paying to have it fixed. The job is a pain to do on a lift, I couldn't imagine doing it on jack stands. It's also a very dirty job, a lot of crap collects on top of the fuel tank over 20 years.

 

[Cadcom]

I’ve changed about 5 of these in an old Yukon I had and a Silverado. Piece of cake. Place jack stands under the back axle or ramps under the rear wheels is even better and place a floor jack under the fuel tank with a 2x6 about a foot long to spread the load some (drain it if at all possible) and then remove the two bolts that hold the fuel tank straps. You will need to disconnect the fuel filler neck at the tank, but it’s easy to do as well and just a clamp like a radiator hose. Get the GM fuel line fitting removal tool to pop the lines free from the pump. Tons of YouTube videos on this. I’ve never found a reliable GM in tank pump for $50 so I’d be a little wary of that. Buy a decent one or you will just be doing this again in 12 months.

 

[greg vess]

Racetronix fuel pumps are super reliable. Not cheap but built to last. I have used their fuel pumps and injectors.

 

[StuP]

If you don't have a lift and a transmission jack I would recommend paying to have it fixed. The job is a pain to do on a lift, I couldn't imagine doing it on jack stands. It's also a very dirty job, a lot of crap collects on top of the fuel tank over 20 years.

I’ve changed about 5 of these in an old Yukon I had and a Silverado. Piece of cake. Place jack stands under the back axle or ramps under the rear wheels is even better and place a floor jack under the fuel tank with a 2x6 about a foot long to spread the load some (drain it if at all possible) and then remove the two bolts that hold the fuel tank straps. You will need to disconnect the fuel filler neck at the tank, but it’s easy to do as well and just a clamp like a radiator hose. Get the GM fuel line fitting removal tool to pop the lines free from the pump. Tons of YouTube videos on this. I’ve never found a reliable GM in tank pump for $50 so I’d be a little wary of that. Buy a decent one or you will just be doing this again in 12 months.

Thanks guys. I agree it could be a major pain. Concerned about all the old hoses and connectors being a reluctant to break loose after all those years.

Doing it myself would mean I could buy a decent pump without having to sell something to fund it. On the other hand, it could be a rusting nightmare that defeats me !

I suppose I need to get under there and reconnoiter, but not as keen as I would have been 40 years ago !

 

[fslc94]

I agree with Cadcom . I mean you’re gonna say a few good cus words, but it ain’t all that bad. YouTube is a blessing win it comes to these things. And like above was stated be Leary of a $50 fuel pump 👍🏻👍🏻
And the fuel line removal tool is a must.

 

[Cadcom]

Thanks guys. I agree it could be a major pain. Concerned about all the old hoses and connectors being a reluctant to break loose after all those years.

Doing it myself would mean I could buy a decent pump without having to sell something to fund it. On the other hand, it could be a rusting nightmare that defeats me !

I suppose I need to get under there and reconnoiter, but not as keen as I would have been 40 years ago !

It helps if you have a smooth concrete surface and a creeper to roll around on. It’s been a few years since I did one but I popped a few Advils and wore some goggles to keep the road dust out of my eyes and just went at it. Holler at me if you have any specific questions. Once the tank is free you can just slide it out, replace the pump and slide it back under. I’ve done it a few times by myself but a second person makes it easier.

 

[StuP]

Racetronix fuel pumps are super reliable. Not cheap but built to last. I have used their fuel pumps and injectors.

Can't track down an appropriate Racetronix one right now .Do you know of a "decent" quality brand to look for, I've Read AC DELCO are a good ? I have tool to separate the supply to the fuel rail, would that be the same tool for the connectors at the tank end ?

 

[greg vess]

I believe so. These are the ones I used when I was building and tuning GM vehicles. Two different kinds are in the pic. Put the tool around the line and press inward to release the line. The raised portion goes toward the tank or fuel rail.

AC Delco are a good OEM replacement part. Let me look and see what I come up with. It's been a while since I have been in the loop.

 

[greg vess]

Can't track down an appropriate Racetronix one right now .Do you know of a "decent" quality brand to look for, I've Read AC DELCO are a good ? I have tool to separate the supply to the fuel rail, would that be the same tool for the connectors at the tank end ?

Walbro or Bosch would be the best replacements.