When will the fuel pump man cometh???
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 10
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From: Central Coast California
When will the fuel pump man cometh???
2000 F150, perfect operation from the get go. Now closing in on 100K miles with zero problems. Following all maintenance recommendations to a 'T'.
Question: Am I approaching a point where it might be wise to replace the pump, before it dies and leaves me at the mercy of an expensive tow/repair? I expect to keep the truck for at least another 50K plus, miles.
Your experiences and recommendations are welcome. And, thanks.
JMcD
Question: Am I approaching a point where it might be wise to replace the pump, before it dies and leaves me at the mercy of an expensive tow/repair? I expect to keep the truck for at least another 50K plus, miles.
Your experiences and recommendations are welcome. And, thanks.
JMcD
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 74
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Hey, Joe, I can't really answer your question because no telling how much longer it will last. I don't know the expected life span of a factory fuel pump, but haven't read about any problems, either. But, I have been told to change your fuel filter on a regular basis. The pump has to work much harder trying to pump fuel through a clogged fuel filter. Cheap insurance (except the filter is somewhat of a PITA to change). Also, I read here and heard elsewhere to not let your fuel level get too low in the tank. The surrounding "cool" fuel actually keeps the fuel pump at correct operating temperature. If you let the fuel get towards empty, the pump could overheat and die. So, my philosophy is that if it's not broke (yet) don't fix it (although I'll change my tune when I'm on the side of the road) 
. I have the same truck as yours with similar mileage and was starting to think about the fuel pump also. But, I've done my preventive maintenance on the filter and kept the tank at least 1/4 full, so I'm going to trust it somewhat longer.
. I have the same truck as yours with similar mileage and was starting to think about the fuel pump also. But, I've done my preventive maintenance on the filter and kept the tank at least 1/4 full, so I'm going to trust it somewhat longer.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 76
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From: Whitehouse,TX
Originally Posted by deano2
But, I have been told to change your fuel filter on a regular basis. Cheap insurance (except the filter is somewhat of a PITA to change).
I change mine about every other oil change. With the correct tool for the fuel line removal, it's an easy 10 min. job!
Last edited by DoughboyRacing; Jan 24, 2005 at 09:20 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 478
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From: Washington
Save your money. My 11 year old truck has 163,000 on it now and the pump works fine. I always switch tanks with 3 or 4 gallons left and fill up frequently.
Maybe when it gets 200,000 I'll feel guilty and put a new one in.
Excuse me while I go knock on wood!
Maybe when it gets 200,000 I'll feel guilty and put a new one in.
Excuse me while I go knock on wood!
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
Unless you have a perfectly operating crystal ball, don't try to play this game of predictive failure.
If you keep a clean fuel filter in the truck, the pump might easily outlast two or three engines, or it might die tomorrow. Replacing parts just because they might fail is a, if you will excuse me for saying so, dumb thing to do.
What you might do is start LISTENING to the pump. If it ever starts soundling like it's full of gravel THEN a preventive maintenance replacement might be in order. There is just no way to know when these things will happen.
Keep a clean filter in it, don't let it run out of gas and don't worry about it.
Good luck,
Doc
ASE Master
If you keep a clean fuel filter in the truck, the pump might easily outlast two or three engines, or it might die tomorrow. Replacing parts just because they might fail is a, if you will excuse me for saying so, dumb thing to do.
What you might do is start LISTENING to the pump. If it ever starts soundling like it's full of gravel THEN a preventive maintenance replacement might be in order. There is just no way to know when these things will happen.
Keep a clean filter in it, don't let it run out of gas and don't worry about it.
Good luck,
Doc
ASE Master
