Question about Fbody fuel pumps....

[PewterChicken]

Hi,
My friend recently had to replace a fuel pump in his 96 v6 'maro and the mechanic told him that running the fbody to empty is really bad and it will cause the fuel pump to burn out quickly. Is there any truth to this and does it hurt to wait to fill up when the check gauges light comes on or should I fill up before that?? Any input appreciated!

[Fin]

Apparently the dealer told my parents the same thing about their new Blzer when they bought it a couple months ago. I can see how it wouldn't be wise to run the car almost out of gas, though. You'll end up burning the pump up trying to do its job, even though it can't because there's not enough fuel supply :eek:

[PewterChicken]

yeah, I'm just trying to find that fine line of getting a good amount of mileage outta the tank. Being in college in all i have a ton of expenses and I try to stretch my gas tank... well enough of my rambling. Anyhow, i'm still curious about it.

[Liquid Silver]

I'm in college too... I know exactly what you mean.

[Texfinn]

The fuel in the tank is also cooling the pump so that it won't heat up too much. Therefore it is not wise to drive it really empty.

TS

[Dr Todd]

Rule of thumb [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] :
Don't let the gauge drop below 1/4 tank. This makes sure the pump has gas in tight turns while it is sloshing around. The fuel also keeps the pump cool.

[Jack]

I have always been told that letting the tank get too low also increases your chances of sucking up trash from the tank. I can see that the pump will also get hotter if not covered in gas as well. When you get below half a tank...fill it. I always try and do that.

[Magnus]

When I did my fuel pump... I noticed serveral things..

Inside the tank there is a little cup type thing that will help prevent fuel from sloshing around near the suction of the pump.. BUT if you go fast around a turn it will be enough time for the fuel to be splashed out of that area.

There is a little sock on the end of the pump itself that will prevent objects from getting sucked up.

There were no objects to be sucked up inside my tank. 60K miles or so and the tank was still clean inside.. No sludge at all. I do not believe this "theory" any more.

Like previousely mentioned, the main reason is to keep the pump cool and supplied with fuel when pulling serious G's. [img]smile.gif[/img]

- Keith

[RHPF]

Magnus how much did it cost for you to have your pump replaced or did you do it yourself? If so is there a guide to this?

[DominusEtDeusNatus]

Why would there be a guide? Just drop the tank. You will have to bend the filler tube. You will know which way once you get to it. You want to make it less of an angle. Walbro will need the plastic piece to be modified a little. I wonder is Walbro is as succeptible(sp) to dying like the stock one when one is low on fuel. It's not hard to do, it just takes some time. I did it in an afternoon and finished up in the morning. Walbro is sure making alot of noise back there.

[black98V6]

a friend of mine had a 96 maro and after running it out of fuel a few times managed to burn up his fuel pump.. the car had 45k miles so it shouldn't have just failed due to age yet, he had a mechanic tell him the same thing about running it out of gas burning up the pump.. btw you really don't want to have to do this.. because the pump was over $100 (wholesale) .. you can't buy just the pump you buy the whole assembly that goes down into the tank...
from what I understand going with the walboro is a different animal though...

[ July 12, 2002: Message edited by: black98V6 ]</p>

[RHPF]

Wow 100 bucks is the cheapest price I have heard yet, any links or location as to where I can find one at that price?

[Wolfy]

get the part # from your local gm store, from the factory one of those whole sending units cost over 400 bucks, but from www.gmpartsdirect.com you can get it for 200 bucks. this is what i did.