Airtex Fuel Pump issues
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Jaqcksonville
Airtex Fuel Pump issues
Well after 298k miles my 97 Aerostar fuel pump gave out. It started about 4k before quitting with symptoms of long crank times stumble from take off etc. It quit finally at home. Checked around and got an Airtex pump complete with sender at Autozone and installed it. 1000 miles later the new pump quit (with a full tank of gas). Reading thru forums Airtex pumps seem to have some issues. Anyone with similar stories? I have ordered a Motorcraft replacement from Amazon, and will return the other. I noticed on the Airtex that the fuel pickup is shorter meaning the gauge will read empty with more fuel left in the tank .
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
298,000 miles
can't go wrong with Motorcraft replacement, don't know of a better replacement. as hard as they are to replace, can't go wrong with the best.
how's the engine and tranny doing?
can't go wrong with Motorcraft replacement, don't know of a better replacement. as hard as they are to replace, can't go wrong with the best.
how's the engine and tranny doing?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,018
Likes: 210
From: SoCal
I think I now know the tell-tale sign of a pump going bad; the most obvious one is if it starts making more noise, or groans instead of whines. The final signs are the hard starting, stumbling, and sometimes engine knock. Unfortunately, this is not a failure that you can easily prepare for, so it's best to look for the early signs.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
I've had four Aerostars totaling about one million miles and none of them have failed on me......so far.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,018
Likes: 210
From: SoCal
Actually, replacing the fuel pump on the Aerostar is not that bad, if you're tank is less than half full. I jacked up the side of the van to get under it, and just lowered one side of the tank enough to get at the mounting plate on top. I was investigating a leak in that area (found to be caused by an improperly installed gasket), but I could have easily replaced the pump at that time. Something that helps the pump live longer is to not let the tank get too low. The pump needs to circulate the gasoline to keep itself cool, and running low enough to have it suck fumes will overheat it very quickly.
When I said "whine", I meant a steady, usually inaudible unless you're right next to the tank, high pitched whine. The one on my Mustang had started to groan unevenly, and should have taken the clue.
When I said "whine", I meant a steady, usually inaudible unless you're right next to the tank, high pitched whine. The one on my Mustang had started to groan unevenly, and should have taken the clue.
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