Time for a new fuel pump?

Hello all.

I've got a '98 SE with 130k. The other day, it refused to start. Cranked like a champ, but wouldn't start. I suspected no fuel was getting to the cylinders, so I spent a few minutes perusing the forums.

After reviewing a few threads regarding fuel pumps, I went back out to the car and turned the key while carefully listening for the priming 'hum'. No hum. One thread mentioned whacking the fuel tank with a mallet to 'unstick' the pump, so I did. It actually worked. Car started right up.

I assume the pump is beginning to die, and I'm wondering if there's anything else I should/could do apart from replacing it. Replacing it is not a problem, but I thought I'd first check to see if there's something I can do about the pump's intermittent failure to do its priming action.

I've looked at the how-tos and other threads regarding pump replacement. Seems fairly straightforward.

Anyone have any input before I order a new pump?

Thanks!

check and clean all of the connections to make sure they are good.

Will do. Assuming connections are good, is there anything else? Or is it pump swap time?

With 130k I'd just drop in a new pump. Pretty easy following the FAQ.

other things ... can't think of anything. your test and reasoning seem pretty solid. sounds like you should just replace the pump.

Focus SVT pump for like $100. More GPH and costs less. Can't go wrong.

mcgarvey said:

Focus SVT pump for like $100. More GPH and costs less. Can't go wrong.

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focus pump is for returnless fuel system cars only. being a 98 it is a return fuel system.

with that being said you could get a walbro but since there is an issue somewhere in the pump I would replace the whole pump so you know the issue has been taken care of instead of just the pump.

Thanks for the replies, guys. BrApple, you reminded me of a question I forgot to ask...

While reviewing the how-tos, I noticed people sometimes refer to the pump itself, and other times the pump assembly - or the 'whole thing'.

I talked to Steve at Tousley this morning, checking on price and availability. I didn't ask for anything specific beyond 'a fuel pump', and he quoted me $250. Does this price sound like 'just a pump' or the 'the whole thing'?

If it's just a pump, where should I obtain 'the whole thing'?

i believe typically ford would sell you the whole assembly. iirc pumps themselves, either fsvt or walbro are around $100, with it being $250 I would learn towards the assembly. best to call and make sure.

The whole assembly is nice to have because you get the new level sender too but if you're willing to swap pumps yourself and re-use the assembly I'd go that route.

Since I'm hearing recommendations for both pump-only and assembly swaps, let me ask one more question.

What part of the 'the whole thing' is causing the intermittent priming failure? Does it occur in the pump, or some other portion of the entire assembly? If it occurs in the pump, it would seem to be an argument for replacing just the pump.

Thoughts?

not really sure myself as I don't recall people having trouble with the fuel pump like this before.

I'd bet just pump alone, most of the rest of assembly is just plastic and the sender.

Get the assembly

Get the assembly

with the assembly you get not only the sending unit, but all new in tank filters. The pump itself sits in a can that acts as a reservoir to hold fuel near the pump inlet when you are braking, turning, or accelerating. This can has a filter in the bottom that can get dirty. Can't buy this filter anywhere but on an assembly. If this filter is dirty, it'll slow the flow of fuel into the can and at less than 1/4 tank the flow can be low enough that a full throttle drag away from the stop light or a long cloverleaf will drain it and you have a stalled engine.

On a 98 its not so tough to replace the pump so you might just try the cheap pump method.

But if you want a for certian fix and $250 doesn't throw you off, get the assembly.

But then again, $250 is about 20% the cost of a 98 anyway.

That bottom filter/strainer is part of the problem though. Most people will tell you to knock it out with a screwdriver since you still have the fuel sock on the bottom of the pump and then the fuel filter on the other side.