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buzzbomb
New User
Oct 9, 2008, 12:53 PM
Post #1 of 6
(5576 views)
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2003 MALIBU FUEL PUMP
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Did not know where to post this.
Is it feasable to install inline external fuel pump. This is EFI 3.1 litre v6 engine. Going on second in-tank fuel pump in one year. This is very costly. I was wondering if I could just put in a external pump capable of use with this type of fuel injection? I did one years ago on 88 isuzu trooper 4 cyl with efi (pump also in tank) Used a pump from Isuzu I Mark (external) and ran for couple years before I sold it with no problem. Should it be closer to the fuel tank or the fuel rail?
I know this is a modification of factory idea and don't know if you support that or even comment on it but sure would appeciate your input.
Thanks!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 9, 2008, 7:35 PM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: 2003 MALIBU FUEL PUMP
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Ya - just looked - the price stinks! Don't you have a one year warranty on the part anyway?
Count me in on suggesting you stay OE design for lots of reasons.
With this much trouble with fuel pumps I'd bet you are in the habit of letting tank run low which IMO is very hard on in tank pumps for heat reasons,
T
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Oct 10, 2008, 4:00 AM
Post #3 of 6
(5561 views)
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Re: 2003 MALIBU FUEL PUMP
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I’m sure an after market in-line pump would run a 3.1 Chev engine, as long as the pump installed can produce the required pressures. My concern would be the volume of fuel that can be delivered to the engine; due to the original in-tank pump restricting fuel flow?
So I think you may have to remove the original pump and fabricate some sort of a fuel pickup tube.
Yes the pump would or should be located as close as possible to the tank. Most centrifugal pumps, suck when it comes to sucking but can blow like nobodies business. LOL
For this to be the second pump to fail in one year; there has to be something causing them to fail?
Like Tom has said, constantly running the vehicle with a tank at or close too empty can cause premature failures; the fuel is what cools & lubricates the pump.
Here are a few other things that I’ve seen cause repeat pump failures.
• Was the fuel tank cleaned during the process of replacing the pump(s)?
Microscopic particles of dirt in the tank will act as an abrasive and wear out the pump’s impeller or cause it to bind. This dirt will also accumulate inside the electrical portion of the pump; causing the pump’s motor to bind and draw extra current (electricity) to motor (turn), making the pump assembly run hot and burn out.
• How clean were the hands that replaced the pump?
One thing a lot of people (including technicians) do not assonate with the automotive repair field is cleanliness. A grimy pair of hands, working on a fuel system, is certain death to a fuel pump.
• What fuel do you regularly run in this vehicle?
If by chance you’re burning fuel that has a high content of Ethanol, could be causing the plastics in the pump to melt or become deformed; anything above 15% could be considered high. If you are burning Ethanol, make sure that the replacement pumps are E85 (85% Ethanol) compatible.
• The last thing I can think of to cause repeat failures; are you 100% sure that the pumps are actually at fault?
A poor connection anywhere in the circuit may cause a person to misdiagnose the problem as a pump. During the course of the pump’s replacement; the wiring harness & the related connectors have to be disturbed/disconnected. Which may inadvertently correct the connection problem, for a short period of time?
Like I said two pumps in one year; I would stand back and have a look at the environment these pumps are placed in. Or never go to Vegas because you’re not a very lucky person. LOL
Dan
Canadian "EH"
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buzzbomb
New User
Oct 10, 2008, 9:52 AM
Post #4 of 6
(5552 views)
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Re: 2003 MALIBU FUEL PUMP
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 Funny you mention Vegas and unlucky. I live in Reno and had to quit gambling many years ago due to unlucky!
I did a internet search on 03 Malibu and fuel pump problems. It seems I am not the only one. There are hundreds of people with the same situation, same model and going on 2 or 3 pumps. This car also has a problem (appearantly every one built) with the lower intake manifold gasket cracking and sucking water into oil and oil into water. There is a class action lawsuit right now involving the MAlibu and DEXCOOL anti freeze causing the gasket to fail. I had this also right at 60,000 miles just like hundreds of other people. Just my luck I bought a Malibu!
Anyway, a local trusted shop did the pump the first time and insisted on using AC Delco pump. Said they have done several in the past using Delphi or other pumps and all had early failure. They will gladly replace the failed AC Delco pump for $500.00 labor. (Pump still warranty) This is why I am trying to find a short cut and something that may last longer. I was told they added extra ground wire from pump to frame to help avaoid failure. I never let my tank fall below 1/4 due to a lesson learned the last time. (Was told that was probably caused failure) Other than that, who can say about the methods used to replace it.
Anyway, greatly appreciate the chat, humor and input on the situation!!
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duanesid
New User
Feb 8, 2009, 8:08 AM
Post #5 of 6
(5351 views)
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Re: 2003 MALIBU FUEL PUMP
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I just looked in my time labor guide to install a fuel pump in this car calls for 1.9 hrs. I beleive your mechanic is not very trust worthy. Unless $263.15 / hr is acceptable to you. You might want to start bringing your own parts. They are probably putting generic parts in their anyway I dont beleive the dealer wouldnt screw you that bad.
(This post was edited by duanesid on Feb 8, 2009, 8:09 AM)
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 8, 2009, 11:10 AM
Post #6 of 6
(5344 views)
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Re: 2003 MALIBU FUEL PUMP
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Buzzbomb; I can't speak for other shops, of course, but our labor warranty is the same as the manufacturer's. If the pump THEY supplied goes bad, I would think that the labor should be covered, as well. That is assuming it is a faulty pump. As already suggested, $263.00 per hour is just a bit steep!
Loren
SW Washington
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