Why does my fuel pumps keep dying?

WESTRUMENTAL

MEMBER
2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
115,000 MILES

Have a 02 pontiac firebird. In 07 my fuel pump died, I replaced with a walbro. Since 07, my fuel pump has died every year, usually in about 9-10 months.I've used reman walbro twice, brand new delphi twice, brand new ac delco once. Same problem. My latest pump (ac delco) was installed in march 11 and just died. I also been to different shops trying to find the cause. What could be causing my fuel pumps to die so quickly? Also. Before the last install fuel system was cleaned fuel filter was changed.

4 Replies

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

Your main/pump relay may be failing intermittently.
So, you sis warrantee one through Walbro. Did they have any comments? The Reason I ask is that they test them before doing anything. They are a very reliable pump.
I would, make sure your wiring/connections are good. I had one and use a 35 amp relay off the power from stock relay and ran like 12 or 14 gauge all the way back. They can be a big amp draw and melt those litle 16 gauge wires somewhere.
Try tapping the pump with a hammer. I did se 1 Walbro that the armature cocked in an ceased up. SmaCKED IT LOOSE AND IT RAN. THEY ARE LOUD.
CHECK VOLTAGE ST WIRES THAT CONNECT TO PUMP TO MAKE SURE YOUR GETTING 12 VOLTS.

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Sunday, August 28th, 2011 AT 9:53 PM

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

Please disreguard above. I had it in paste and lost the original I wrote to you.

Valve cover boltre even in inch pounds. The thing is not to crush the gasket and tightenin criss cross pattern.

Sorry about that.

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Sunday, August 28th, 2011 AT 10:03 PM

WESTRUMENTAL

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2 POSTS

Thanks for the reply but the thing is after I replace the fuel pumps it runs fine for 8-10 months then boom they die. Any ideas.

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Monday, August 29th, 2011 AT 2:06 AM

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

I thibk the fuel pump relay is failing.
When you use a Walbro, sometimes the pressure is too much. Het a free borrow fuel pressure teter from local Advanve or equivelent auto store.

Let me know if this helps and what kind of fuel pressure you are getting.
You might need gauge and adjustable regulator.
The raly can fail interitantly. Next time it fails see if the red wire is getting juice.

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Monday, August 29th, 2011 AT 4:17 AM