1999 E250 4.2L v6

Did a previous thread centered around the fuel pump relay...

Problem is intermittent but getting worse.

Say I'm in for a new fuel pump. What's your experience ? Fuel pump only and strainer, or the total assembly. I realize if I see parts on the assembly that are questionable I get the whole assembly.

What's the usual fix if there is one ? I just would like to have the proper parts on hand.

 

I've got stuck and ended up with the complete sender unit before.
On the road brake downs.

But now, I just change out the pump and new sock filters.

Price difference - Sender unit, up to $325+ Just the pump - Less than $90, and about $28 for the filters (but mine takes 2 sock filters) I think the '97+ don't have the pump reserve, and only need one filter.

Also, I've been at the point, where I took the sending unit out, and took the pump with me to the parts store, and make sure I got the correct one, with maybe a change with the wire connector only.

It's best if you can do a fuel pressure check first, that will tell you if the pump is within spec's, but it's also deceiving, because I've had pumps work fine until they "over heated" and then, it's sit on the shoulder until the pump cools off for 20 minutes, and will work again.

And........I've had problems with the pump, and removed the sending unit, and cleaned the sock filters, and it work fine for months, had that several times, like just after spring time, with hitting all the pot-holes, but I know, in NC you don't know what pot-hole are.
Like a sink hole, only smaller in the middle of the road

Long story here, it might just be that the in-tank filters are plugging up, you will not know until you pull the sending unit.

 

Personally if I were to drop the tank I'd replace everything involved plus having the tank professionally cleaned or at minimum inspected to assess its condition.

One unknown issue is the condition of the filler hose which can be anywhere between pristine and fine as is or deteriorated to the point its advisable to replace it.

One way to ensure or help the pump live a long life is never running below 1/4 tank of fuel or at least repeatedly.

Along with a possible fuel pump replacement check the fuel pressure regulator too---a by product check of testing for proper fuel pressure.