Replace the Fuel Sending Unit or just the fuel sending unit?

[blendergasket]

Hi! I am about to replace the fuel pump this weekend. I got an AC Delco fuel pump as was planning to replace just the pump. All the videos I see on youtube look like they're replacing the sender unit as well as the fuel pump. Should I replace the fuel sending unit as well?

If so, is this something I should pay the (incredibly high) premium on to get AC Delco? Or will another brand be OK.

[N6KB]

When I bought a new pump the gauge sender was part of it. The new pump you get may be an upgraded version (as mine was) and your old sender may not be compatible with the new pump. I recommend changing it all.

[gman]

The reason you see a lot of people doing that, is because it's cheaper to rebuild a pump with a new sender unit /filter, etc. than it is to buy a whole new one.
I still have my AC Delco laying around, which I may or may not rebuild, but my Denso unit is working great, and Denso has great QC, so I'm not sure what to do with it.
Either way, the rebuild kit is about $65, whereas a new pump would be closer to $300, so that's why you see that.

All the pumps I have done have just been R&R.
Take the old one out, put the new one in.
You get a new shell, float, o-ring seal, fuel pressure sensor, fuel sending unit, screen, some other tank sensor/switch for the sending unit, etc.

Some people say Delco/Delphi or bust, some say that their eBay pump has been working fine for 50k, etc.
Unless I have a van with 100k or less, I can't see myself getting the best of the best OEM just for the sake of it (otherwise I would).

I guess that's kind of up to you and how much you want to invest in the van, and how long you think it will last you.

[blendergasket]

OK. Thanks all for the info. I think I'll replace the whole thing.

[AstroWill]

It just depends on your preference. Usually it will be replaced as a whole unit because time is money. Also the sensors can wear out, so while you have the tank down, might as well.

But it's perfectly fine to simply replace the pump as well, that is how it always used to be done and it always costs less that way.

[SheldonYoung]

Put a new ACDelco Fuel Pump in my '97, and no other issues.

[Mmusicman]

..a new pump would be closer to $300..

New Delphi FG0288 pump for $183..
https://www.amazon.com/Delphi-FG0288-Fu ... olet+Astro

Rock Auto sells FG0288 about same price too...
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/che ... mbly,10147


Seems to me if you go to all the trouble to pull the unit.. might as well replace the pump.
They notoriously go bad when you least expect it.

[blendergasket]

I've got a 94. I don't think those will fit. I ended up getting a spectra brand one on Amazon. I went to the big Autozone by me as I thought their site said they had the ACDelco, but they didnt have it. They tried to sell me a Spectra one for $148. I checked Amazon and it was about 1/2 the price so I went with that one. I hope it works well! I'm planning on cutting a hole in the floor to access it per the fuel pump replacement thread. I've got the pump and the aviation shears coming on Saturday.

Exactly how I was planning on spending labor day weekend /s

[MechBob]

Shears are really going to suck trying to cut that.I use a die grinder with thin cut off wheels, but could be done with electric grinder with cut off wheels.I have used Spectra stuff for years with no problems.AC, and Delphi prices are way out of hand right now.But Delphi is getting bought out,maybe for the better.

[blendergasket]

I have a grinder but I worry about sparks near the gas tank. I was thinking about starting the hole with the grinder and then using the shears. Would it be OK to just use the grinder?

[MechBob]

I have done half a dozen that way.As long as there is no fuel leaks.And i take water hose and spray on top of tank,incase of any mouse nests.

[blendergasket]

That's a good idea to spray off the top of the tank. Thank you for that.

[blendergasket]

My tank is down a bit below 1/4 full. Do I need to fully empty it before I replace the fuel pump through the van floor or can I just leave it as is?