'92 Q At approximately what mileage does the fuel pump tend to fail?

[kdkrone]

I am at 103K on my original fuel pump and yesterday I noted an article on the website about how to change the fuel pump. The author stated that it is not a question of "if" but "when" the fuel pump will fail.

Rather than being stranded somewhere, I would prefer to be proactive about the replacement. At about what mileage do the pumps tend to fail?

ThanksKen K

[maxnix]

I replaced one at just over 60K for the reasons you stated. about 10 yrs., but tank was spotless and fuel filter changed about 4 times.

[Q451990]

I would say the average is 80K, but that's an informal guess...

Heath

[kdkrone]

And what about the control unit? Does it tend to fail, as well, or is it fairly reliable as long as the pump does not fail and cause problems? In other words, should it be replaced when one replaces the fuel pump?

ThanksKen K

[Q45tech]

The pump noise becomes audible [depending on your age and hearing frequency response] when it begins to slow down which raises the current draw thru the FPCU.

If you change the pump the moment a teenager can hear the noise the FPCU should last forever. A 40 year old who changes the pump when he can hear it may mean a FPCU every 150,000 miles. Who knows for a 60 year old.

Ideally one would install a ammeter in series with pump fuse and read brand new and continuously watch the current go up with age or just always have a working spare in trunk along with alligator jumper to get off the interstate.

I'm doing well as on the 3rd pump and second controller at 308/16.5 years but I always carry a spare!

All depends on the QUALITY of gasoline you buy, how much dirt [or water]was in the 102k/18=~ 5666 gallons you purchased...........that's 35,000 pounds of gasoline vs how much dirt.....................99.99 % pure = 3.5 pounds of dirt

[kdkrone]

Q45tech, I gather from what you are saying is that the pump does not suddenly up and die, but, rather, it will begin making noise and at that point, one should replace it.

I will purchase a new pump from Joe and have it ready to go.

Based on the forum info, I had Jerry Tucker replace the chain guides at 12 years, but only 80K miles. When I spoke with him, he said that the 125K mile guideline was fine but that they tended to crack based on age, as well. He was right, as one of them had cracked but not shed any plastic yet.

Any other things I should be wary of at this age (103K)?

ThanksKen K

[Q451990]

Jerry rebuilt my climate controller, and was great to work with! As far as a 125K guideline - I'm not sure where he got that... mine failed at 120K... another one in the "dead line" at the dealership failed at 77K. Good thing you got yours done at 80K!

Heath

[kdkrone]

Well, I guess the question is: at my mileage (almost all driven with Chevron premium), am I flirting with disaster by not changing a pump that is not giving symptoms or is it prudent to just go ahead and change it instead of having it in the trunk "just in case"? I am not clear on whether it is the rule or the exception that the pumps give up the ghost all of a sudden or over a period of time.

ThanksKen

[maxnix]

No, go by sound, but don't get acclimated to increased levels. Fuel pressure measurement and FPCU current draw (or better, scope wave form pattern) is the best non-subjective way to measure performance.

[Q45tech]

You can easily view the condition of the pump, as it is just a DC motor.......look at the current waveform with a current probe and digital [storage] oscilloscope........something every home tech should have.