too many fuel pumps replaced 2000 gmc 3500

[JWC]

I have been recently experiencing problems with the fuel pump in my 2000 GMC 3500. It has a 454 engine, and the 3rd fuel pump in just a couple months just went out. It runs fine for a couple weeks, then it's hard to start, then it just doesn't start at all. Nothing can be found to cause this so far. Even sent the fuel filter away. Any ideas out there???

[jktuck]

how much fuel are you keeping in the tank? low fuel levels allow the pump to heat up.

[jktuck]

also when they change the pump, do they check to see the voltage at the electical connection. Maybe getting a voltage spike causing the pump to go bad. Maybe low voltage. I would check all those things. there should be a relay dedicated to the fuel pump. Maybe should be checked.

[JWC]

Thanks - I'll pass the info on to my mechanic to see if these issues could be part of the problem.

[stumpuller454]

I had exact same prob, on a truck idetical to mine (pretty much same as yours also) found out it was a poor connection in the pigtail that attached to the pump, you wiggled it it would work, guy went through three pumps before it was found...strange cause when you`d disconnect it you`d get power so you figered pump, replaced it and it wouldn`t last long.... trucks been running for 4 years now...Easy fix try anyways.

[JWC]

Definitely will do - thanks. Like you said - easy enough to try.

[cburcham73]

you might want to check the fuel pump relay. bad coil could make the relay chatter too much and short out the pump.

[animalsrule]

hubby had same problem with last truck he had...found that a ground wire was loose
hope this helps

[Lariat]

JWC, the 1999-2000 3500 series are notorious for fuel pump and fuel filter issues, you may want to verify if there was a recall for that. Are you getting enough pressure from the fuel pump? - test the line. Another way is you take the filter off and see the fuel pressure coming out of the filter housing it should be flowing like a faucet when you turn the ignition key over. We found that we were burning out pumps when it was the filter - due to inadequate size, so we modified and enlarged the filter system and have running just fine. It was too much back pressure for the demand of fuel.

[Ninja_Lawn_Guy]

I have a 2003 sierra 1500 with 4.3l v6. Fuel pump went out today, no luck with wiggling wires or pounding the tank...needs to be replaced..Talked with a gm mech. He told me take the bed off (6-15mm drive bolts) for above access and its really simple to replace. I also have step by step chilton instructions, new adventure in truck repair for me.