Mechanical Fuel Pump Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Old Dave · 07-14-2003, 12:19 PM

I have an 86 Suburban, 350, 1/2 ton, 2WD that had the engine rebuilt at 180K. A new fuel pump (not rebuilt) was installed at this time. I've got about 17K on it since the overhaul and and last week on a Scout trip to Colorado it gave me a problem at about 7000 ft. on one hill. I've had weak fuel pumps before on other 350's but this is the first one on this vehicle. It was a new Carter from O' Reiley auto parts that was installed. I've checked and the only place I can get a Delco is from the GMC dealer (not in stock) and it's $29. I know it's not that hard to replace but I don't want to have to do it again next summer. Anyone have good luck with some other brand that they can recommend?

Thanks

bigblock73 · 07-14-2003, 12:29 PM

I have always used Carters...never a problem at all. Maybe you just got a bad one?

...Jeff

**swervin ervin** · 07-14-2003, 12:49 PM

I wouldn't think the fuel pump was the cause. More likely because your engine is adjusted for lower elevation.

rockman20 · 07-14-2003, 12:56 PM

I would agree with swervin. How does it run at the alt. you adjusted the carb at?

Old Dave · 07-14-2003, 01:14 PM

It does it sometimes around home (eastern Kansas) but you have to like drive it on the highway and go through town where you're stopping at lights. It only does it when the temp is above about 95 or higher. I had a 79 3/4Ton Chevy van with a 350 that I fought this for about 4 years in the summer time. I replaced the pump 3 times (2 Carters and 1 Delco) and finally I had a mechanic check the pressure on a 102 degree day it was only 4.5lbs. and according to the book it was supposed to be 5.5 - 7.0lbs. He replaced the pump and it never did it again. He said I must have gotten 3 weak fuel pumps.

BigRed · 07-14-2003, 03:59 PM

Yep, I have noticed first hand that heat really degrades fuel pumps. They can work great before everything heats up and then when they get hot, the run like poop!

**old Rusty C10** · 07-14-2003, 09:34 PM

i dont know if you actually had a fuel pump problem i know at high altitudes sometimes ya gotta adjust the carb cause the thinner oxygen there makes em run funny

*mike reeh* · 07-14-2003, 09:57 PM

my money is on vapor lock

MylilBowTie · 07-15-2003, 02:53 PM

Did you release the gas cap and tighten it back up?? There is a pretty big pressure change. I have done that and Its worked before when that much of a change in elevation.

07-14-2003, 12:19 PM	#1
Old Dave Is a bullfrog waterproof? Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: OLATHE, KANSAS Posts: 1,130	Mechanical Fuel Pump Question I have an 86 Suburban, 350, 1/2 ton, 2WD that had the engine rebuilt at 180K. A new fuel pump (not rebuilt) was installed at this time. I've got about 17K on it since the overhaul and and last week on a Scout trip to Colorado it gave me a problem at about 7000 ft. on one hill. I've had weak fuel pumps before on other 350's but this is the first one on this vehicle. It was a new Carter from O' Reiley auto parts that was installed. I've checked and the only place I can get a Delco is from the GMC dealer (not in stock) and it's $29. I know it's not that hard to replace but I don't want to have to do it again next summer. Anyone have good luck with some other brand that they can recommend? Thanks

07-14-2003, 12:49 PM	#3
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I wouldn't think the fuel pump was the cause. More likely because your engine is adjusted for lower elevation. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

07-14-2003, 12:56 PM	#4
rockman20 "The dude abides" Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: North Dakota Posts: 472	I would agree with swervin. How does it run at the alt. you adjusted the carb at? __________________ RockMan 1993 Chevy Silverado C3500 1 ton dually 1994 Honda Civic 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass S 1953 IH Farmall Super M New to the fleet: 1992 Subaru Loyal

07-14-2003, 03:59 PM	#6
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Yep, I have noticed first hand that heat really degrades fuel pumps. They can work great before everything heats up and then when they get hot, the run like poop! __________________ Scott Shelbourne

07-14-2003, 09:34 PM	#7
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,287	i dont know if you actually had a fuel pump problem i know at high altitudes sometimes ya gotta adjust the carb cause the thinner oxygen there makes em run funny __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

07-14-2003, 12:29 PM	#2
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	I have always used Carters...never a problem at all. Maybe you just got a bad one? ...Jeff

07-14-2003, 01:14 PM	#5
Old Dave Is a bullfrog waterproof? Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: OLATHE, KANSAS Posts: 1,130	It does it sometimes around home (eastern Kansas) but you have to like drive it on the highway and go through town where you're stopping at lights. It only does it when the temp is above about 95 or higher. I had a 79 3/4Ton Chevy van with a 350 that I fought this for about 4 years in the summer time. I replaced the pump 3 times (2 Carters and 1 Delco) and finally I had a mechanic check the pressure on a 102 degree day it was only 4.5lbs. and according to the book it was supposed to be 5.5 - 7.0lbs. He replaced the pump and it never did it again. He said I must have gotten 3 weak fuel pumps.

07-14-2003, 09:57 PM	#8
mike reeh 5 day ban, learn to behave. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: san diego, ca Posts: 684	my money is on vapor lock

07-15-2003, 02:53 PM	#9
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	Did you release the gas cap and tighten it back up?? There is a pretty big pressure change. I have done that and Its worked before when that much of a change in elevation. __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI

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