Question: Gas Tank's Transfer Fuel Pump

[jwawhite]

Took about a 50 mile trip on freeway. While in town at my first stop light I heard a noise coming from behind the driver's seat. I could tell that it was a fuel pump and the pitch did not change with RPM. I understand there is a transfer pump for the two tanks. The noise has since stopped and the Dealer is aware of the issue.

Question: If the pump goes out, will the car still run? Any one else with this issue? Difficult to change?

 

[Hib Halverson]

The fuel pump is in the left tank and the "transfer" pump--actually, it's known as a "siphon jet pump"--is in the right tank.

if the fuel pump goes out, the car won't run. If the siphion jet pump fails, you'll only have half your fuel capacity.

Pump changes require removal of the fuel tanks. Not an easy job for the DIY. Not a cheap job for a non-DIY.

 

[RBS-C5]

The fuel pump is in the left tank and the "transfer" pump--actually, it's known as a "siphon jet pump"--is in the right tank.

if the fuel pump goes out, the car won't run. If the siphion jet pump fails, you'll only have half your fuel capacity.

Pump changes require removal of the fuel tanks. Not an easy job for the DIY. Not a cheap job for a non-DIY.

What is your take on the thought that you should not drive with the gas below some point (often mentioned as 1/4 tank) because the fuel pump is cooled by being in the gas, and if the gas level drops too low the fuel pump can overheat and fail? I hear this from time to time, and wonder if this is fact or fiction.

 

[tankman]

I changed out the fuel pumps on mine and it was relatively easy. Granted i have a 98, but I believe it's the same. Just need to pop the wheel and splash guard, then unscrew the pump mounting screws and take off the connections. be careful in removal and installation as the float can prove to be a easy casualty. Also prepare for the fuel to exit tank unless it is close to empty. I didn't have to remove the tank.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the "suction pump" is just a pressure line that runs from the driver's (left) side to the right side, with an opening in the line while in right tank that lies close to the bottom of the tank. Therefore the fuel that will flow from left side-to right side, then back to the left side will siphon fuel as it passes. Therefore it will suck fuel from the right side tank, and will act as an extra volume during filling.

Best of luck!!

Tank

 

[Hib Halverson]

What is your take on the thought that you should not drive with the gas below some point (often mentioned as 1/4 tank) because the fuel pump is cooled by being in the gas, and if the gas level drops too low the fuel pump can overheat and fail? I hear this from time to time, and wonder if this is fact or fiction.

My take on that is it's true if you regularly drive with between an eighth and a quarter of a tank...say you never fill until the low fuel light comes on and you never keep more than a quarter tank unless your going on a trip.

Otherwise, it's a non-issue.

 

[Junkman2008]

I changed out the fuel pumps on mine and it was relatively easy. Granted i have a 98, but I believe it's the same.

Oh, heck no it ain't! From what I understand, the mid to late 2002 -2004 are a totally different animal all together.

 

[Huskerman]

Oh, heck no it ain't! From what I understand, the mid to late 2002 -2004 are a totally different animal all together.

That's right the late 2003 1/2 and all of 2004 and then all C6's use a drop in style fuel pump. Those were installed in the 2003's starting around Vin # 14930 being built on Nov. 25 of 02..........

 

[Junkman2008]

That's right the late 2003 1/2 and all of 2004 and then all C6's use a drop in style fuel pump. Those were installed in the 2003's starting around Vin # 14930 being built on Nov. 25 of 02..........

Late 2003, gotcha. I knew that they started it in the middle of a run. You have to drop a lot more crap to get those tanks off the car.

 

[jwawhite]

Which one?

Only got Hib's response...

The noise went away and I called the Dealer to call off the repair/appt. My Service Mgr. (SM) heard the noise when I came in with the car after driving 50 miles on the frwy.

Just came back from seeing the Niners in San Francisco about 330 miles one way and the noise came back...

Called my SM ( that doesn't sound so good does it Sadist.Mas..) and he said bring it in and we'll put it "under load" to bring the noise back. Isn't there a way such as an ohms check or?

I think it may be the fuel pump, the noise seemed to be louder on the L side.

Any other thoughts out there? My Ext. Warranty ends early next year. They won't cover it-- even if documented-- if it fails after expiration of warranty.