I searched this but couldnt find anything relevant.

Before I bought my 2000 Blazer, I did a lot of internet and local research on what the typical problems are and what to look for. One of the main things that came up was the fuel pump ALWAYS goes out. Sure enough, I had mine all of 2 weeks and 200 miles and poof - dead pump.

While asking around, the local genius at the electric shop said the 2 biggest problems with them were A: people running them low on gas (duh, we all know that one eh?) and B: the ground. He said the 'fix' was to tap into the ground wire off the pump and run another ground wire (10-12ga should do) to the frame.

When I replaced mine, I did this trick... whether or helps or not, ask me in a year or so... but I thought being I've gleaned so much info off this site I'd share the only tidbit I've picked up so far.

 

Yeah those are two very helpful hints! Just to further explain for others so they don't ask questions! The reason for not going low on gas is that the pump is cooled by the fuel around it and when the tank is low there is nothing there to cool it therefore leading to a burnt out motor much quicker. And the ground you are exactly right. People spend time and money all the time troubleshooting these things when a lot of the time it is just the ground thats bad from corrosion and rust over time.

 

I am assuming when yours went out after 2 weeks, it was not a delphi or delco pump?

 

The business about running it low on fuel overheats the pump, is a myth. The fuel return line directs fuel through one of the spring loaded tubes and into the well that the pump is mounted in. If you have replaced a fuel pump module, you've noticed when the pump module is removed from the tank, fuel dumps out of the well As long as the engine is running, the pump is being cooled.

 

No, it was the stock unit the truck was born with. I bought the truck and drove it about 2 weeks and 200 miles, then it wouldn't start one night, the next day it fired right up. Then a couple days later it wouldn't start at all... no hum from the tank, and no line pressure... I assume it was Delco. The truck just turned 147,000 miles, so I'd say it had a long life from what I've read of others. I replaced the stock filter as well with a Wix. The stocker wasn't completely clogged, but it was definitely dirty and in need of changing. The pump I used was a no-name, but it's the brand a fleet shop uses (a friend). He said the Airtex brand gave a TON of trouble, but this one has been good for them. They have a boatload of Chevys out - Blazers, S10s, 1500s and Cavaliers. I trust his judgement, and he sold me the pump at his cost. The truck fired right up, and the pump is even quieter than the OEM, pressures on right on the money, and a restart after 24 hours is immediate.

Hook, believe what you like but of my other trucks, I've kept them 1/2-1/4 tank of gas for years, none have ever needed a fuel pump. The same year and model trucks owned by others who run them dry before putting $20 in (which is about a 1/4 tank these days) have had to replace their pumps. The same findings have been repeated by the fleet shop, used car wholesalers, junkyards and garages I interviewed before deciding to buy a 2nd gen Blazer.

I will say that whether it's a myth or not as to the cooling, the fuel level may have other perks. Such as easing the load on the pump or even assisting the housing in some way. I could hypothesize several ideas, but myth or truth - I've got my real world results.

 

majority of the "bad pump" threads you find,is a mixture of people buying cheap replacements and then weeks or months later it dies. Yea,you can get a cheap alternative for $30-$150 and yes. ac delco pumps go up to $600. I learned the hard way about pumps. Pumps are one of those "dealership items" you have to use. Ive owned my fair share of blazers,and friends have em too.