I got the parts to replace my fuel pump today and when I pulled out the box for the pump itself and opened it, I found that the plastic bag with the electrical connector, the crimp unions, the float, and the gasket had been ripped open with three of the crimp unions loose in the box. Then I took a closer look at the pump and it looks like it was test fit once before as evidenced by scrapes on the side of the lower body, a few smudges, and a small amount of dirt. The pump itself was not in its own bag which I thought odd for something that should be kept clean. Taking a closer look at the original packaging, I can see where the the original packing tape the close the top of the box had been taped over as if it had be open previously and resealed.

As you can see, otherwise the pump looks fairly new.

I'd like to send it back but is it possible that what I found is from testing of the pump? Even if so, why would the parts bag be opened and why was the pump not tested before being sealed in its box. Am I missing anything? Amy I overreacting?


Strange color on the hose.



Some dirt on the underside of the top of the pump assembly.



A scrape on the body going left-right on the lower edge.



Dirt on the hose connections.



Dirt and smudges on the top of the assembly.



Dirt on the outline of the molding and a scrapes at the top of the lower body of the assembly.

 

My guess is it is a return from someone who ordered the wrong pump. I'd get ahold of custom service and send them the pics and your concerns. Looks to me that someone tried to install, didn't work, sent it back. They (rock auto) should make things right. And, give you a non-opened, never tried to be installed, bags opened pump. Or a lengthy warranty and a partial refund on the pump you have. i'm thinking at least half off, if not more.

 

Thanks.

Replacing the pump is a job I only want to do once!

 

I got one just like that - only it was cracked. I returned it, as you should also do.

 

Thanks for the confirmation that I was not being too picky. I dropped it at the FedEx office earlier today to return it. Rock Auto did authorize the replacement super fast, last night actually, but unfortunately according to the order page I likely won't get it until Thursday.

 

UPDATE: New pump already arrived!

I put in my request for a replacement pump over the weekend, and I got the replacement pump today. It looks good too. Kudos to Rock Auto for good customer service!

 

Glad to hear things worked out for you. I've never had a problem with their customer service in the past. Now the fun part comes!

 

Never a doubt that Rock Auto would do the right thing. I have not had this exact problem before from them, but have had failed brand new components and never had any issue out of Rock Auto over the replacement. It is a pain however you look at it, but even more so when you have your vehicle torn apart only to find that the brand new part is also faulty...and your rainy day to fix it just turned into a few days or more of waiting. This is especially true when you rely on your vehicle(s) for work.

As far as the open box phenomenon, sadly this is getting worse as time passes. All three of the major chain autoparts stores near me have been having a bunch of trouble with open box items. Criminals are getting sneakier at their tactics of cleanly opening the box for a high dollar part, swapping in a low dollar part, resealing up the box, then returning them to the parts store. They get their high dollar part for the bargin bin cost and pass the trouble on to someone unsuspecting. And it often isn't happening at the store that sells it last, rather closer to their distribution warehouse, then gets transfered.

I emplore everyone to really have a good look at the parts you are installing if you are paying for OE quality as the theivery will continue and likely get worse. Also, buy from reputable sources! Knock-off parts are also running rampant on some of the seedier sites where seller responsibility is not held to account. Ebay & Amazon are chief among them. A deal that is too good to be true is often just that.

 

CRock Auto sold me a defective GM starter that destroyed the ring gear. Shims missing...

its ILLEGALto sell used as new, States Consumer Protection laws. Sears gotcrucified by the Feds in the 1990s over reselling used batteries etc as new and installng electronic parts that werent defective.

Retailers excuses usually include excuses like " it wasnt defective, just unsuitable for the buyers purpose" which of course, includes..." defective"

If you return a part as such, I recommend hiding a written note in/ with the part stating the part has been returnef, to warn the retailer youre watching, and the next buyer...