Installing a backup fuel pump

[ladorn45]

Hey everyone.

Is it possible to install a second backup fuel pump just incase the main one goes. I already had the fuel pump go on me leaving me stranded. So after getting it fixed i was wondering if i can purchase some after market kit that allows me to install a second pump so when the first one fails i can flick a switch and have the second one draw fuel from the tank and run the car

 

[OR VietVet]

Hey everyone.

Is it possible to install a second backup fuel pump just incase the main one goes. I already had the fuel pump go on me leaving me stranded. So after getting it fixed i was wondering if i can purchase some after market kit that allows me to install a second pump so when the first one fails i can flick a switch and have the second one draw fuel from the tank and run the car

Interesting concept. You will have to have a way to "pickup" fuel from the tank. The existing pump is plumbed in to pull/push fuel but may not allow a "flow through" for a second pump to use the same plumbing.

 

[ladorn45]

Okay yea i was hoping to just tap in near the fuel filter but from what your saying i would have to tap directly into the gas tank in order to get fuel

 

[rockola1971]

You are way overthinking this. A new OEM pump will last well over 100k. If you are paranoid that you will get stranded, change fuel pump out every 100k.

 

[ladorn45]

I just had it changed last year everything was working fine and now my gas guage is not reading correctly which is what happened last time before my fuel pump went. That is why I thought abouy a possible backup

 

[Marky Dissod]

I just had it changed last year everything was working fine and now my gas gauge is not reading correctly,
which is what happened last time before my fuel pump went. That is why I thought about a possible backup.

You may want to check the related wiring and connectors.
Most diagnostics cannot tell the difference between a component failing vs its wiring failing.

 

[OR VietVet]

Should have installed a Genuine GM or AC Delco pump. I would use a Delphi for a second choice if had to. What did you install?

 

[homesick]

I'd also recommend making your 1/4 tank point into your refill point. That gas helps cool the pump, which helps it last longer.

joe

 

[ladorn45]

I had my mechanic do this install since i didnt feel comfortable dropping the ta k and he told me he used yhe ac delco pump

 

[OR VietVet]

I am waiting for the time that I hear of some inheritance money being left to "my mechanic".

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I am waiting for the time that I hear of some inheritance money being left to "my mechanic".

Don't hold your breath.

 

[OR VietVet]

Don't hold your breath.

If I am gonna get "adopted" as "my mechanic", I deserve some money.

 

[Fless]

If I am gonna get "adopted" as "my mechanic", I deserve some money.

Yeah, it's usually the mechanic that "owns" the customer.

 

[Fless]

I just had it changed last year everything was working fine and now my gas guage is not reading correctly which is what happened last time before my fuel pump went. That is why I thought abouy a possible backup

An external pump isn't going to help the gas gauge issue.

And to note, as of now for my '04 Flex Fuel L59 an OE or even AC Delco brand isn't available at Rock Auto under my model info, but it's available if I look up the part number (MU2294 Gold - $290). Amazon has them for almost $400.

 

[OBSandaNNBS]

Hey everyone.

Is it possible to install a second backup fuel pump just incase the main one goes. I already had the fuel pump go on me leaving me stranded. So after getting it fixed i was wondering if i can purchase some after market kit that allows me to install a second pump so when the first one fails i can flick a switch and have the second one draw fuel from the tank and run the car

You know, some vehicles have doors cut into the floor right above the pump that makes it a 10 minute job.
Otherwise, just stay ahead with PM... PREVENTATIVE Maintenance.
The gauge issue sounds like a wiring problem.

 

[PPV_2018]

I like the idea in theory. It’s kind of like the old pickup trucks that used to have two gas tanks. One goes out, flip a switch and go.

Maybe a more practical idea to have a small reserve fuel tank with its own pump installed rather than try to run two separate pumps from one tank.

Of course odds are slim that a pump fails leaving you stranded, especially if newly installed quality part. But forget what people say, even brand new gm genuine *could* fail without warning at no specified mileage range . .

Bottom line this is one of those paranoia solutions to a problem you’d probably never have … but i totally support if it could be practically done.

 

[homesick]

I am waiting for the time that I hear of some inheritance money being left to "my mechanic".

LOL, the cats already got enough.

joe

 

[homesick]

I like the idea in theory. It’s kind of like the old pickup trucks that used to have two gas tanks. One goes out, flip a switch and go.

Maybe a more practical idea to have a small reserve fuel tank with its own pump installed rather than try to run two separate pumps from one tank.

Of course odds are slim that a pump fails leaving you stranded, especially if newly installed quality part. But forget what people say, even brand new gm genuine *could* fail without warning at no specified mileage range . .

Bottom line this is one of those paranoia solutions to a problem you’d probably never have … but i totally support if it could be practically done.

The one time my pump failed ['01 Tahoe], I was on the expressway, headed to breakfast, with some friends.

When it started acting up, I exited and headed straight for the mechanic's; and got caught at a traffic light across the intersection from the mechanic.

LOL, I had to have AAA come haul the truck that last little bit. But my buds brought me breakfast and helped me wait.

joe

 

[ladorn45]

You know, some vehicles have doors cut into the floor right above the pump that makes it a 10 minute job.
Otherwise, just stay ahead with PM... PREVENTATIVE Maintenance.
The gauge issue sounds like a wiring problem.

I saw videos of people cutting a whole in the floor board to have access to the pump. I probably will do that next if the pump goes.

 

[Fless]

Seriously, removing the tank isn't all that difficult.